### GSK3A Gene Overview

**Gene Symbol:** GSK3A  
**Full Name:** Glycogen Synthase Kinase 3 Alpha  
**Chromosomal Location:** Human chromosome 19q13.32

GSK3A encodes a serine/threonine protein kinase that is critical for the regulation of numerous signaling pathways and cellular processes, including glycogen metabolism, transcription regulation, and apoptosis.

### 1. Associated Genes

GSK3A interacts or has implications with various genes beyond those explicitly mentioned in the summaries you provided. Some of these include:

- **GSK3B:** A close homolog, GSK3B also plays a role in similar pathways and processes.
- **APP (Amyloid precursor protein):** Involved in Alzheimer's disease via regulation by GSK3A.
- **PTEN:** A tumor suppressor that influences various cellular pathways that GSK3A regulates.
- **SIRT1:** This gene encodes a protein that is involved in cellular regulation and metabolism and is also linked to aging.
- **AKT:** The protein kinase that is part of the signaling pathway that GSK3A regulates.
- **TP53:** The tumor suppressor gene may interact with pathways regulated by GSK3A.

### 2. Aging and Age-related Diseases

GSK3A has been implicated in several age-related diseases and biological processes associated with aging:

- **Alzheimer's Disease:** GSK3A's role in phosphorylating APP is linked to the production of β-amyloid plaques, which are characteristic of Alzheimer's disease.
- **Insulin Resistance:** The protein's involvement in glucose metabolism suggests that it plays a role in the development of insulin resistance, which is often associated with aging and metabolic disorders such as Type 2 diabetes.
- **Neurodegeneration:** GSK3A is linked to neuronal polarity and axon outgrowth, indicating that it may play a role in neurodegenerative diseases that are more prevalent with age.
- **Cellular Senescence:** Its regulation of autophagy and apoptosis may influence cellular senescence, affecting tissue homeostasis during aging.

### 3. Drug Interactions

Certain drugs and drug classes have been noted to interact with GSK3A, influencing its activity:

- **Lithium Salts:** Known to inhibit GSK3A and GSK3B, and they are commonly used in psychiatric conditions.
- **Antipsychotics:** Some antipsychotic medications have been proposed to impact GSK3A activity.
- **Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs):** Certain NSAIDs may indirectly influence GSK3A through the regulation of inflammatory pathways.
- **Metformin:** A common diabetes medication that may further impact the signaling pathways involving GSK3A related to glucose metabolism.

### 4. Pathways and Biological Processes

GSK3A is involved in numerous signaling pathways and biological processes, including:

- **Wnt Signaling Pathway:** It serves as a critical negative regulator, phosphorylating β-catenin leading to its degradation.
- **Insulin Signaling Pathway:** GSK3A negatively regulates glycogen synthesis contributing to glucose homeostasis.
- **Apoptosis:** GSK3A's function in mediating apoptosis via various substrates, influencing the cellular response to stress signals.
- **Neuronal Development:** Regulates neuronal polarity and axonal growth, crucial during brain development.
- **Autophagy:** Involves regulation of autophagy in response to stress conditions.

In summary, GSK3A plays a versatile and crucial role in multiple physiological processes and pathways, linking it to significant biological outcomes such as aging, neurodegenerative diseases, metabolic disorders, and cell survival mechanisms. Further studies continue to explore its potential as a therapeutic target in various diseases, reflecting its broad relevance in health and disease.