### PEX3 Gene Overview

**Gene Symbol:** PEX3  
**Entrez Gene ID:** 5170  
**Chromosomal Location:** Human chromosome 3p21.1

**Function and Importance:**
PEX3 is critical for peroxisome biogenesis and maintaining the integrity of peroxisomes, which are essential organelles involved in lipid metabolism, reactive oxygen species detoxification, and various biosynthetic pathways. The protein product of PEX3 acts primarily by assisting in the assembly of membrane vesicles necessary for the import of peroxisomal membrane proteins (PMPs). PEX3 serves as a docking factor for PEX19, a key protein responsible for the import of PMPs into peroxisomes.

### 1. Associated Genes
PEX3 is known to interact functionally with several other peroxins and proteins involved in peroxisome biogenesis, including:
- **PEX19:** A chaperone protein that transports peroxisomal membrane proteins.
- **PEX16:** Facilitates the docking of PEX19-PMP complexes to the peroxisome membrane.
- **PEX12, PEX10, and PEX5:** These proteins play roles in the import of matrix proteins and the overall integrity of peroxisome function.
- **ACOX1:** Involved in the β-oxidation of very-long-chain fatty acids (a process occurring in peroxisomes).

### 2. Aging or Age-Related Diseases
Mutations in the PEX3 gene have been associated with Zellweger syndrome (ZWS), which is a peroxisome biogenesis disorder characterized by severe neurological impairment, dismorphism, and infant mortality. As peroxisomes are involved in lipid metabolism, defects in PEX3 and subsequent peroxisome dysfunction may contribute to age-related metabolic disorders, potentially impacting conditions related to neurodegeneration and metabolic syndromes observed in older individuals. While specific studies directly linking PEX3 to aging processes are limited, peroxisomal dysfunction has implications for oxidative stress and inflammatory responses, contributing to age-related conditions.

### 3. Drug Interactions
Currently, there are no specific drugs or drug classes widely acknowledged to directly target or interact with PEX3. However, treatment approaches for metabolic disorders linked to peroxisomal dysfunction (such as Zellweger syndrome) might involve supportive therapies, dietary adjustments, and managing symptoms rather than direct pharmacological interventions targeting PEX3 itself. Research into gene therapy or molecular interventions to restore peroxisomal function is ongoing.

### 4. Pathways and Biological Processes
PEX3 is involved in several biological pathways and processes, including:
- **Peroxisome biogenesis:** PEX3 plays a pivotal role in the formation and maintenance of peroxisomes by facilitating the import of membrane proteins and the assembly of new peroxisomal membranes.
- **Lipid metabolism:** Specifically in the β-oxidation of very-long-chain fatty acids, which is a key function of peroxisomes.
- **Reactive oxygen species metabolism:** Contributing to the detoxification of hydrogen peroxide and regulation of oxidative stress through peroxisomal functions.

**Essential Contributions:** 
PEX3 is fundamental for proper cellular metabolism and detoxification processes, and its dysfunction can lead to significant metabolic disorders, emphasizing the importance of this gene in both physiological and pathological contexts.