### EPN3 Gene Overview

**Gene Symbol:** EPN3  
**Location:** Chromosome 15  
**Function:** EPN3 is involved in clathrin-mediated endocytosis, an essential cellular process for the internalization of membrane proteins and lipids. It is predicted to have clathrin binding activity as well as phospholipid binding activity. The gene product is primarily located in clathrin-coated vesicles, the perinuclear region, and the nucleoplasm, acting as an extrinsic component of the plasma membrane.

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### 1. Associated Genes

While specific direct associations for EPN3 may not be exhaustively documented, it is generally part of networks involved in endocytosis and vesicle trafficking. Thus, the following genes may be related in various biological contexts:

- **CLTC (Clathrin, heavy polypeptide)**: Essential for clathrin-mediated endocytosis.
- **AP2A (adaptor-related protein complex 2, alpha)**: Involved in clathrin-mediated endocytosis.
- **DAB2 (Dab, mitogen-responsive phosphoprotein)**: Regulator of endocytosis and signal transduction pathways.

Additionally, association with genes involved in the endosomal and lysosomal pathways may suggest indirect connections.

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### 2. Aging and Age-Related Diseases

While specific data directly linking EPN3 to aging or age-related diseases may be limited, its role in endocytosis indicates a potential relevance in processes such as:

- **Neurodegeneration**: Impairments in endocytic pathways are commonly observed in neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's. Since EPN3 is involved in vesicle trafficking, any dysregulation might contribute to the accumulation of toxic proteins or impaired signaling in neurons, which could be relevant in aging.
- **Cancer**: Alterations in endocytic activity, potentially involving EPN3, can affect cell signaling and adhesion, contributing to tumorigenesis and cancer progression.

Further studies are needed to ascertain precise links and mechanisms to aging and related pathologies.

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### 3. Drug Interactions

As of the latest data, specific drugs targeting EPN3 directly are not well-documented. However, drugs that influence endocytic processes, such as:

- **Statins**: Known to impact membrane dynamics and lipid metabolism.
- **Cholesterol-lowering drugs**: May indirectly affect pathways involving EPN3 due to its predicted phospholipid-binding activity.

Research on targeted therapies involving the modulation of endocytic pathways may open avenues for identifying specific drugs that could interact with EPN3.

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### 4. Pathways and Biological Processes

EPN3 is primarily involved in:

- **Endocytosis**: A crucial cellular process for nutrient uptake, receptor recycling, and signal transduction.
- **Clathrin-mediated endocytosis**: A well-characterized pathway wherein clathrin coats vesicles that internalize proteins from the plasma membrane.
- **Vesicle-mediated transport**: Involvement in the trafficking of various cargo inside cells.

Moreover, EPN3 may also play a role in processes related to cellular signaling and membrane dynamics due to its binding capacities.

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In conclusion, EPN3 is an important gene within the framework of vesicle trafficking and endocytosis, with implications in various cellular processes that could extend to understanding aging and disease mechanisms. Further research would provide a clearer picture of its roles and associations.