### PPP1R3C Gene Overview

**Gene Symbol:** PPP1R3C  
**Description:** The PPP1R3C gene encodes a regulatory subunit of protein phosphatase 1 (PP1), which plays a crucial role in various cellular processes through the modulation of protein phosphorylation. The encoded protein is particularly involved in the regulation of glycogen metabolism, influencing glycogen synthase activity (promoting glycogenesis) and inhibiting glycogen phosphorylase activity (preventing glycogen breakdown). 

### 1. Associated Genes
While the NCBI and UniProt summaries primarily focus on the functionalities associated with the PPP1R3C gene, it interacts with several other genes/proteins important for its functions, including:

- **PPP1CA, PPP1CB**: Catalytic subunits of protein phosphatase 1.
- **LAFORIN (EPM2A)**: Involved in Lafora disease; interacts with PPP1R3C.
- **GYS**: The gene encoding glycogen synthase, which is activated by the PPP1R3C-PP1 complex.
- **PYGL**: The gene encoding glycogen phosphorylase, which is inhibited by the action of the PPP1R3C-PP1 complex.

### 2. Aging and Age-Related Diseases
Although there is limited direct research focused specifically on PPP1R3C and aging, its role in glycogen metabolism implicates it in age-related processes. Dysregulation of glycogen metabolism can contribute to metabolic disorders typically seen in aging, such as diabetes and sarcopenia.

Furthermore, the noted association of DNA hypermethylation in colorectal cancer patients suggests that alterations in the expression of PPP1R3C could relate to tumorigenesis, which increases in prevalence with age. Research into its role in metabolic aging and cancer may reveal deeper insights.

### 3. Drug Interactions
As of now, there are no specific drugs directly targeting PPP1R3C; however, drugs affecting insulin signaling and glucose metabolism may indirectly influence its activity. These include:

- **Insulin**: Enhances glycogen synthesis, potentially mediated through PPP1R3C.
- **Biguanides (e.g., Metformin)**: Commonly used in diabetes management, influencing upstream signaling pathways that could affect PPP1R3C activity through glucose homeostasis mechanisms.

### 4. Pathways and Biological Processes
PPP1R3C is involved in several key biological pathways and processes, including:

- **Glycogen Metabolism**: Essential in glycogen biosynthesis and degradation.
- **Insulin Signaling Pathway**: Plays a role in insulin-mediated glycogen synthesis.
- **Cellular Stress Response**: May be involved in cellular responses to changes in nutrient availability and stress.
- **Regulation of Protein Phosphorylation**: As part of the PP1 complex, it regulates various signaling pathways through reversible phosphorylation.

Additionally, PPP1R3C is implicated in other processes, such as:

- **Signal Transduction**: Specifically, the modulation of signaling cascades that involve phosphorylation.
- **Carbohydrate Binding**: Reflecting its function as a glycogen-targeting subunit, contributing to glycometabolism.

In summary, the PPP1R3C gene is critical for glycogen metabolism and has broader implications in metabolic diseases, potentially connecting it to various age-related changes and conditions. Further investigations could benefit from a multi-disciplinary approach linking genetics, biochemistry, and therapeutic research.