### PLEKHA3 Gene Summary

**Gene Name:** PLEKHA3  
**Gene Symbol:** PLEKHA3  
**Location:** Golgi apparatus

#### Function
PLEKHA3 encodes a protein that facilitates identical protein binding and has binding affinity for phosphatidylinositol-4-phosphate (PtdIns 4 P). It is involved in several critical cellular functions, including:
- Regulation of vesicular cargo transport from the trans-Golgi network (TGN) to the plasma membrane.
- Regulation of Golgi phosphatidylinositol 4-phosphate levels.
- Activation of the phosphatase activity of SACM1L upon binding to PtdIns 4 P in its 'trans' configuration.
- Negative regulation of apolipoprotein B (APOB) secretion from hepatocytes.

### 1. Associated Genes
While specific associations are not always detailed in summaries, PLEKHA3 has interactions primarily with proteins involved in lipid metabolism, vesicular transport, and Golgi function. In particular, other genes that might be functionally significant include:
- **SACM1L:** A protein phosphatase that interacts with PLEKHA3 as described.
- **APOB:** Related to lipid metabolism and corroborates the regulation of secretion affected by PLEKHA3.
- **Genes related to lipid transport and Golgi apparatus function:** Such as ARF-family genes and other members associated with vesiculogenesis.

### 2. Aging and Age-related Diseases
Information specific to PLEKHA3 in the context of aging or age-related diseases is limited but can be inferred from its functions:
- **Lipid Metabolism:** Dysregulation of lipid metabolism is often linked to age-related diseases such as cardiovascular diseases and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), potentially implicating PLEKHA3 in these processes through its role in regulating APOB secretion.
- **Cellular Transport:** Impairment in Golgi function and vesicular transport can be associated with neurodegenerative disorders, hinting that PLEKHA3 may have relevance in such pathways as the cellular mechanisms age.

### 3. Drugs or Drug Classes Interacting with PLEKHA3
No specific drugs are exclusively linked to PLEKHA3 based on the latest information. However, drugs that target lipid metabolism, metabolic processes, or influence Golgi function might indirectly impact PLEKHA3. Drug classes could include:
- **Statins:** Which are used to lower cholesterol and may influence pathways impacted by lipid-binding proteins like PLEKHA3.
- **Fibrates:** Another class used for managing dyslipidemia could interact with pathways related to APOB metabolism.

### 4. Involved Pathways and Biological Processes
PLEKHA3 is involved in several biological processes, including:
- **Vesicle-mediated transport:** This includes transport from the trans-Golgi network to the plasma membrane, emphasizing its role in intracellular trafficking.
- **Phosphatidylinositol signaling pathway:** Through its binding to PtdIns 4 P, PLEKHA3 is involved in pathways regulating cellular structures and functions dependent on phosphoinositides.
- **Lipid transport and metabolism:** Particularly linked to APOB regulation and overall lipid homeostasis.

Overall, PLEKHA3 plays a critical role in intercellular lipid transport and secretion mechanisms, with potential implications in metabolic and age-related disorders. Further research may elucidate additional associations and therapeutic opportunities.