**PPP3CC Gene Overview**

The PPP3CC gene encodes a subunit of the protein phosphatase calcineurin, which plays an essential role in the transduction of intracellular calcium-mediated signals through dephosphorylation of various substrates. It is particularly critical in processes such as immune response, neuronal signaling, and muscle contraction.

### 1. Associated Genes
In addition to its primary role, PPP3CC interacts with and has been associated with several other genes, including:
- **PPP3CA:** The alpha regulatory subunit of calcineurin, which is closely related to PPP3CC.
- **NFATC1:** A transcription factor that is activated by the dephosphorylation process initiated by the activity of calcineurin.
- **ELK1:** Another transcription factor in the MAPK signaling pathways that is inactivated by calcineurin-mediated dephosphorylation.
- **DARPP-32 (PPP1R1B):** A dopamine- and cAMP-regulated neuronal phosphoprotein, which is regulated by calcineurin activity.

### 2. Aging and Age-Related Diseases
PPP3CC has been implicated in several processes related to aging and age-related diseases, including:
- **Neurodegenerative Diseases:** Altered calcium signaling and PPP3CC activity may contribute to diseases such as Alzheimer's disease due to the key role of calcium in neuronal health.
- **Cardiovascular Disease:** Calcineurin signaling has been shown to be involved in cardiac hypertrophy, which is often a factor in aging-related heart disease.
- **Muscle Atrophy:** Age-related muscle loss may involve dysregulation of the pathways mediated by calcineurin, affecting muscle strength and function.

### 3. Drug Interactions
Several drugs interact with calcineurin, and thus indirectly with PPP3CC. Some notable drug classes include:
- **Calcineurin Inhibitors:** Medications such as cyclosporine A and tacrolimus (FK506) are used primarily in immunosuppressive therapy post-organ transplantation and are known to inhibit calcineurin activity.
- **Calmodulin Antagonists:** Since calcineurin is a calmodulin-stimulated phosphatase, drugs that interfere with calmodulin can indirectly affect the function of PPP3CC.

### 4. Pathways and Biological Processes
PPP3CC is involved in several crucial biological pathways and processes, including, but not limited to:
- **Calcium Signaling Pathway:** Regulates various cellular responses to calcium ions.
- **T Cell Activation:** PPP3CC plays a significant role in immune responses mediated by T cells through NFAT activation.
- **Neurotransmission:** Involvement in dopaminergic signaling pathways, particularly due to its effect on DARPP-32.
- **Cardiac Hypertrophy Signaling:** Calcineurin-NFAT signaling pathway plays a pivotal role in cardiac myocyte growth.
- **Synaptic Plasticity:** Importance in neuronal communication and long-term potentiation processes.

Overall, the PPP3CC gene plays a multi-faceted role in cellular signaling and is implicated in several physiological processes, with significant implications for understanding various diseases, including those associated with aging.