**SLCO1B3 Gene Overview**

**Gene Symbol:** SLCO1B3  
**Location:** Chromosome 12  
**Gene Type:** Protein-coding  

The SLCO1B3 gene encodes a member of the organic anion transporter family, primarily involved in the uptake and transport of various endogenous and xenobiotic compounds, particularly in the liver. This liver-specific transporter plays a crucial role in the transport of bile acids, bilirubin, and other organic anions, thereby influencing various metabolic and detoxification processes.

### 1. Associated Genes
SLCO1B3 has interactions with several other genes involved in similar biological processes and may work in concert with the following:

- **SLCO1B1:** Another gene encoding an organic anion-transporting polypeptide; both affect hepatic uptake processes.
- **UGT1A1:** Gene encoding a UDP-glucuronosyltransferase involved in the metabolism of bilirubin, which is relevant due to SLCO1B3's function in bilirubin transport.
- **ABCB11:** This gene encodes the bile salt export pump (BSEP) which cooperates with SLCO1B3 in the bile acid transport process.
- **SLC16A1:** Involved in monocarboxylic acid transport, possibly affecting overall liver metabolism and function when considered adjacent to SLCO transporters.

### 2. Aging and Age-Related Diseases
While specific details directly linking SLCO1B3 to aging or age-related diseases are limited, the following points are noteworthy:

- **Liver Function and Aging:** The capacity of hepatic drug metabolism often declines with age, which may alter the pharmacokinetics of medications transported by SLCO1B3. Age-related changes in liver function potentially impact the pharmacological efficacy of drugs.
- **Hyperbilirubinemia:** Rotor syndrome, caused by mutations in SLCO1B3, can reflect impaired bilirubin processing which may have implications in age-related liver diseases, including cholestasis and liver fibrosis.
- **Cancer:** Altered SLCO1B3 activity may affect the disposition of chemotherapeutic drugs, leading to different responses in elderly patients compared to younger individuals with respect to drug toxicity and efficacy.

### 3. Drug Interactions
SLCO1B3 is known to interact with a variety of drugs and drug classes:

- **Statins:** SLCO1B3 facilitates the hepatic uptake of HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors (statins) such as pitavastatin.
- **Chemotherapeutic Agents:** It may influence the disposition of drugs like methotrexate and paclitaxel, which are critical in cancer treatment.
- **Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme (ACE) Inhibitors:** SLCO1B3 is involved in the liver uptake of enalapril and likely valsartan, impacting antihypertensive therapy.
- **Bile Acid Sequestrants:** Medications that alter bile acid metabolism may also interact with SLCO1B3 due to its role in bile acid transport.

### 4. Biological Pathways
SLCO1B3 is implicated in a number of biological processes and pathways, including:

- **Bile Acid Metabolism:** Essential for the enterohepatic recycling of bile acids and hepatobiliary function.
- **Drug Clearance Pathways:** Involved in the hepatic uptake and clearance of various pharmacological substances.
- **Endogenous Compound Transport:** Plays a key role in the transport of steroids, eicosanoids, and other organic anions.
- **Detoxification:** Involved in the hepatic clearance of potentially harmful substances, including bilirubin and metabolites from heme synthesis.

In summary, SLCO1B3 plays a pivotal role in liver function by mediating the transport of diverse compounds, crucial for drug metabolism and clearance, and its interactions with other genes and pathways underscore its importance in both physiological and pathophysiological contexts.