### OSBPL3 Gene Overview

**Gene Symbol**: OSBPL3  
**Location**: Human chromosome 11q13.5  
**Gene Type**: Protein-coding

The OSBPL3 gene encodes a member of the oxysterol-binding protein family, which functions as intracellular lipid receptors. Its protein product is involved in various cellular processes, primarily related to cell adhesion and the organization of the actin cytoskeleton. The OSBPL3 protein contains a pleckstrin homology (PH) domain at its N-terminus and a conserved OSBP-like sterol-binding domain at its C-terminus, allowing it to interact with various lipids, particularly phosphoinositides and oxysterols like cholesterol and 25-hydroxycholesterol. 

### 1. Associated Genes
OSBPL3 is known to interact with the following genes and their protein products:

- **VAPA** (Vesicle-Associated Membrane Protein-Associated Protein A): Associates with OSBPL3 and is involved in ER membrane dynamics.
- **RRAS**: Signal transduction pathways involving RRAS are stimulated through the OSBPL3-VAPA complex, linking lipid signaling to integrin activation and cellular adhesion.
- **ITGB1** (Integrin Beta-1): The OSBPL3-VAPA complex influences the activation of ITGB1 at the cell surface, which plays a crucial role in cell adhesion and motility.

### 2. Aging and Age-Related Diseases
Research has indicated that OSBPL3 might play a role in various age-related diseases; however, detailed direct evidence is limited. Here are some potential associations:

- **Neurodegenerative diseases**: Dysregulation of lipid metabolism and signaling has been implicated in conditions such as Alzheimer's disease, where OSBPL3's role in lipid transport and cell signaling may be relevant.
- **Metabolic disorders**: Given its involvement in cholesterol binding and metabolism, OSBPL3 could influence age-related metabolic syndromes, obesity, or cardiovascular diseases, conditions more prevalent with aging.

### 3. Drug Interactions
As of October 2023, specific drugs or drug classes currently known to interact directly with OSBPL3 are not extensively characterized in public databases. However, medications that affect cholesterol metabolism (like statins) or phospholipid signaling (like phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase inhibitors) may indirectly affect its function due to the gene's involvement in lipid transport and signaling pathways.

### 4. Pathways and Biological Processes
OSBPL3 is involved in several key biological processes and pathways:

- **Regulation of Actin Cytoskeleton**: OSBPL3 plays a significant role in organizing the actin cytoskeleton, which is crucial for various cellular functions such as motility and shape.
- **Cell Adhesion**: The involvement of OSBPL3 in integrin signaling pathways suggests its critical role in cell adhesion processes vital for tissue integrity and function.
- **Phosphoinositide Metabolism**: OSBPL3 binds specifically to phosphoinositides such as PI(3,4)P2 and PI(3,4,5)P3, indicating a role in phosphoinositide signaling pathways, which are crucial for cellular signaling mechanisms involved in numerous physiological processes.
- **Endoplasmic Reticulum Organization**: The interaction between OSBPL3 and VAPA suggests participation in the regulation of ER morphology, influencing intracellular lipid trafficking and cellular stress responses.

In summary, OSBPL3 is an essential gene implicated in lipid metabolism, cellular signaling, and cytoskeletal organization, with potential relevance to aging and age-related diseases although further research is necessary to clarify its specific roles in these contexts.