### ITGB3 Gene Overview

**Gene Symbol:** ITGB3  
**Protein Product:** Integrin beta-3 (ITGB3)

**Function:** ITGB3 encodes for an integral membrane protein beta-3 chain that forms part of various integrins when paired with specific alpha chains, notably alpha-IIb (ITGA2B) and alpha-V (ITGAV). These integrins are crucial for cell adhesion, interaction, and signaling, particularly in the context of platelets as well as various tissues associated with cell migration, adhesion, and communication.

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### 1. Associated Genes

While the provided summaries include many notable interactions, the following additional genes and proteins have been associated with ITGB3:

- **ITGA2B:** The alpha chain companion in the integrin alpha-IIb/beta-3 heterodimer.
- **ITGAV:** The alpha chain partner in the integrin alpha-V/beta-3 heterodimer.
- **SLC6A4:** The serotonin transporter gene, implicated in serotonin neurotransmission regulated by ITGB3.
- **FBN1 (Fibrillin-1):** Mediates interactions that promote cell adhesion to extracellular matrix components.
- **CX3CR1:** Chemokine receptor for fractalkine signaling, influenced by ITGB3.

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### 2. Aging and Age-Related Diseases

ITGB3 has been implicated in several age-related processes:

- **Cardiovascular Disease:** Alterations in platelet function and aggregation driven by integrin beta-3 are associated with thrombotic disorders, which increase in incidence with age.
- **Neurodegenerative Disorders:** As aging progresses, dysregulation of synaptic transmission involving ITGB3 may influence the risk of Alzheimer’s disease and other neurodegenerative conditions through its role in serotonin regulation and synaptic plasticity.
- **Fragility of the Vascular System:** The linkage between integrins and cell adhesion may affect cellular mechanics that influence vascular stability, which can pertain to age-related vascular dysfunction.

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### 3. Drugs and Drug Classes Interacting with ITGB3

Several therapeutics and drug classes can interact with ITGB3, particularly those aimed at platelet function and hematologic conditions:

- **Antiplatelet Agents:**  
  - **Glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitors:** Drugs like abciximab, eptifibatide, and tirofiban are designed to block the functions of the integrin alpha-IIb/beta-3, thereby inhibiting platelet aggregation and preventing thrombus formation during acute coronary syndromes.
  
- **Thrombolytics:** Medications that may indirectly target ITGB3 imaging the fibrous matrix environment.

- **Biologics:** Emerging therapies that target integrin signaling in conditions such as autoimmune diseases or cancer.

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### 4. Biological Pathways and Processes

**Significant Pathways:**

- **Cell Adhesion Pathway:** A wide variety of extracellular matrices and signaling events involve ITGB3 participating in the adhesion of cells to niches and ligands. 
- **Thrombosis and Hemostasis:** Integrin interactions regulating platelet aggregation and activation.
- **Neurotransmission:** Pathways affecting serotonin signaling and synaptic plasticity in the brain.

**Key Biological Processes:**

- **Cell-Cell and Cell-Matrix Adhesion:** ITGB3 mediates the binding of cells to the extracellular matrix, facilitating cell migration and tissue integrity.
- **Platelet Activation and Aggregation:** Plays a key role in thrombus formation via the binding of fibrinogen and other ligands.
- **Signal Transduction:** Involved in multiple signaling pathways mediated by its interactions with growth factors and cytokines, contributing to angiogenesis and inflammatory responses.
- **Synaptic Plasticity:** Especially relevant in the context of neurotransmitter regulation and processes associated with learning and memory.

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This comprehensive layout on the ITGB3 gene highlights critical aspects related to its function, associated partners, implications in aging, therapeutic interactions, and pathways, situating the gene within broader biological and clinical contexts.