### DAPK3 Gene Overview

**Official Gene Symbol**: DAPK3  
**Full Name**: Death-associated protein kinase 3  
**Chromosomal Location**: The DAPK3 gene is located on chromosome 10q22.1 in humans.

#### General Function
The DAPK3 gene encodes a serine/threonine protein kinase that plays a critical role in various cellular processes, including:
- Regulation of apoptosis (cell death)
- Autophagy (cellular degradation)
- Actin cytoskeleton reorganization
- Smooth muscle contraction

**Mechanisms of Action**:
- DAPK3 is involved in both type I (caspase-dependent) and type II (caspase-independent) cell death mechanisms.
- It phosphorylates myosin light chains, influencing smooth muscle contraction and cytoskeletal dynamics.
- DAPK3 can positively regulate canonical Wnt/beta-catenin signaling and is implicated in the modulation of transcriptional activities in response to various signals, including hormone stimulation.

### 1. Associated Genes
While specific genes directly associated with DAPK3 are not extensively documented, it may interact with or regulate several related kinases and proteins involved in apoptosis and the cytoskeleton, such as:
- **MYL9** and **MYL12B**: Myosin light chains regulated by DAPK3.
- **PPP1R12A**: Involvement in regulating smooth muscle myosin phosphatase.
- **RPL13A**: A ribosomal protein phosphorylated by DAPK3.
- **TCF7L2**: A transcription factor that interacts with DAPK3 in Wnt signaling pathways.
- **NLK**: A kinase involved in Wnt signaling modulation.

### 2. Aging and Age-Related Diseases
While specific aging-related studies on DAPK3 are limited, DAPK3 has been suggested to be involved in processes relevant to aging, such as:
- Regulation of apoptosis and autophagy, both of which can be dysregulated in age-related diseases and cellular senescence.
- Altered signaling through Wnt/beta-catenin pathways has been associated with senescence and age-related decline.
- Potential implications in tumorigenesis indicate that DAPK3 may play a role in age-related cancer risks as a tumor suppressor.

### 3. Drug Interactions
Research is still ongoing regarding specific therapeutic agents that directly interact with DAPK3. However, the following classes of drugs may modulate its function indirectly:
- **Kinase inhibitors**: General kinase inhibitors may affect DAPK3 activity.
- **Apoptosis-inducing agents**: Compounds that promote apoptosis or autophagy might interact with signaling pathways involving DAPK3.

At this time, specific FDA-approved drugs targeting DAPK3 directly have not been identified.

### 4. Pathways and Biological Processes
DAPK3 is involved in:
- **Apoptosis and Survival Pathways**: Mediating cell death processes; interacts with apoptotic signals.
- **Autophagy**: Involved in starvation-induced autophagic processes and regulating autophagy-related proteins.
- **Wnt Signaling Pathway**: Positively influences canonical Wnt signaling, essential for many developmental and cellular processes.
- **Cytoskeletal Dynamics**: Modulates actin filament organization and focal adhesion dynamics, impacting cell motility and structural integrity.
- **Gene Expression Regulation**: Involved in the transcriptional modulation of various genes, affecting cell cycle progression and proliferation.

### Conclusion
DAPK3 is a crucial regulator in apoptosis, cytoskeletal dynamics, and various signaling pathways. Its role in autophagy and smooth muscle function highlights its importance in both physiological and pathological processes. Future research is likely to unveil more associations with aging and therapeutic potential.