### EIF4EBP3 Gene Overview

**Gene Symbol:** EIF4EBP3   
**Location:** Human Chromosome 2q34  
**Gene Type:** Protein-coding

#### Summary
The EIF4EBP3 gene encodes a member of the eukaryotic translation initiation factor 4E-binding protein (EIF4EBP) family. These proteins are critical regulators of protein translation, specifically in their interaction with eIF4E, a key component of the eIF4F translation initiation complex. EIF4EBP3 plays a role in modulating the assembly and function of this complex, thus impacting protein synthesis.

#### 1. Associated Genes
In addition to the neighboring genes MASK (Maskin) and ANKHD1 (ANKHD1), EIF4EBP3 has been associated with other genes involved in cellular and molecular processes, including:

- **EIF4E:** Direct interaction with its cognate binding partner.
- **EIF4G1 and EIF4G3:** Compete with EIF4EBP3 for binding to EIF4E; relevant in translation initiation.
- **mTOR (Mechanistic Target of Rapamycin):** EIF4EBP3 regulation is influenced by mTOR signaling, particularly in the context of phosphorylation and growth signaling pathways.
  
#### 2. Aging and Age-Related Diseases
Research indicates that the regulation of protein synthesis plays a significant role in aging and age-related diseases. Though specific direct associations of EIF4EBP3 with aging are still under investigation, it has been implicated in the following contexts:

- **Cellular Stress Response:** Alterations in EIF4EBP3 activity may contribute to how cells respond to stress, a critical factor in aging.
- **Cancer:** Changes in the regulation of translation initiation through EIF4EBP3 can affect tumorigenesis and cancer progression, particularly in older individuals who may have accumulated mutations.

#### 3. Drug Interactions
Certain drugs and drug classes are known to interact with EIF4EBP3, primarily through modulation of the mTOR pathway and translation regulation:

- **mTOR Inhibitors:** Drugs like rapamycin and its analogs (e.g., everolimus) can influence EIF4EBP3 phosphorylation status and, consequently, its function in translation regulation.
- **Antineoplastic Agents:** Some cancer therapies modulate translation mechanisms involving EIF4EBP3 to reduce tumor growth, although these are often indirect interactions mediated by broader cellular pathways.

#### 4. Pathways and Biological Processes
EIF4EBP3 is involved in multiple pathways and biological processes, including:

- **mTOR Signaling Pathway:** Regulates growth and metabolism; EIF4EBP3 is a crucial downstream target of this pathway.
- **Translation Initiation:** Directly influences the assembly of the eIF4F complex, thereby influencing protein synthesis.
- **Cell Cycle Regulation:** Implicated in the control of cell cycle progression due to its role in translation.
- **Stress Granule Formation:** Participates in the cellular response to stress, affecting mRNA stability and translation during adverse conditions.

### Conclusion
The EIF4EBP3 gene is a significant contributor to the complex regulation of translation initiation in eukaryotes. Its interaction with other genes, involvement in age-related processes, and connections to drug interactions highlight its importance as a potential therapeutic target and a biomarker for various biological conditions, including aging and cancer.