The CACNA1C-IT3 gene is a non-coding RNA gene located in the vicinity of the CACNA1C gene, which encodes the alpha-1C subunit of a voltage-gated calcium channel. It is part of the extended CACNA1C locus and may play a regulatory role in the expression of the CACNA1C gene or its associated pathways.

### 1. Associated Genes
CACNA1C-IT3 is associated primarily with the CACNA1C gene itself. Other genes in the voltage-gated calcium channel family may exhibit functional or regulatory interactions, such as:
- **CACNA1A**: Encodes the alpha-1A subunit of another voltage-gated calcium channel.
- **CACNB2**: Encodes a beta subunit that interacts with alpha subunits of calcium channels.
- **CACNA2D1**: Encodes a protein that also regulates calcium channel activity.

Beyond direct associations, there may be indirect relationships with genes implicated in calcium signaling, cardiac function, and neurological processes.

### 2. Aging and Age-Related Diseases
Research indicates that deregulation of calcium signaling is associated with various age-related conditions, including:
- **Cardiovascular diseases**: Altered calcium channel function is linked to hypertensive heart disease and arrhythmias, where CACNA1C plays a significant role.
- **Neurodegenerative diseases**: Abnormal calcium homeostasis is implicated in diseases like Alzheimer's, where calcium signaling pathways may be disrupted.
- **Metabolic disorders**: Aging affects calcium signaling, contributing to insulin resistance and associated metabolic syndromes.

Investigations into the regulatory mechanisms of CACNA1C-IT3 may shed light on its influence in these pathways and their relationship with aging.

### 3. Drug Interactions
CACNA1C-IT3 itself does not have direct known drug interactions, but the CACNA1C gene product interacts with several drug classes:
- **Calcium channel blockers**: Medications like amlodipine and verapamil modulate the activity of calcium channels, impacting cardiovascular function.
- **Antiepileptics**: Some drugs used in managing epilepsy can have effects on calcium signaling, implicating pathways that involve CACNA1C.

### 4. Pathways and Biological Processes
CACNA1C-IT3 may not be directly involved in specific canonical biological pathways, but as a regulatory RNA, it can influence several important processes, potentially including:
- **Calcium signaling pathways**: Regulating intracellular calcium levels, affecting muscle contraction and neurotransmission.
- **Signal transduction**: Contributing to the transmission of cellular signals related to growth, development, and adaptive responses.
- **Cell communication and synaptic transmission**: Pertinent in both neuronal activity and neurotransmitter release mechanisms.

The precise mechanisms of CACNA1C-IT3, particularly how it influences the expression of CACNA1C and the associated pathways, warrant further investigation to better understand its functional roles in health and disease.