### CDKL3 Gene Overview

**Gene Symbol:** CDKL3  
**Gene Type:** Protein-coding gene  
**Chromosomal Location:** Human chromosome 8q22.1

### Summary

The CDKL3 (Cyclin-Dependent Kinase-Like 3) gene encodes a protein that is a member of the cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK) family and plays a vital role in regulating cell cycle progression. It exhibits significant similarity to the yeast proteins Cdc28 and Cdc2, which are involved in cell cycle control. CDKL3 was identified in the context of leukemia, specifically being absent in leukemic patients with deletions in chromosome 5q, suggesting its potential role in dysmyelopoiesis. Alternative splicing results in the formation of multiple transcript variants, leading to different isoforms.

#### 1. Associated Genes

While specific gene interactions haven't been detailed in the summaries, CDKL3 may interact or be co-regulated with several other CDK family members (e.g., CDK1, CDK2, CDK4, CDK6). Other genes potentially associated with CDKL3 in the context of leukemogenesis or myelopoiesis could include:

- **CDK4**: Involved in cell cycle regulation.
- **CCNs**: Cyclins that partner with CDKs for regulation of the cell cycle.
- **TP53**: As a tumor suppressor that interacts with CDK pathways.
- **ZFP36L1**: Implicated in post-transcriptional regulation of mRNA.

#### 2. Aging or Age-related Diseases

Research regarding CDKL3's role in aging or age-related diseases is limited. However, being part of the CDK family, which is crucial for cell cycle control, CDKL3 may indirectly influence processes related to aging and age-associated disorders, such as:

- **Cellular Senescence**: CDKs are central in regulating cellular senescence pathways.
- **Cancer**: Altered expression of CDKs is frequently observed in various cancers that may relate to aging.
- **Neurodegeneration**: Dysregulated cell cycle progression may contribute to neuronal cell death, which is commonly observed in neurodegenerative diseases associated with aging.

#### 3. Drug Interactions

Drug interactions specifically targeting the CDKL3 protein have not been extensively documented. However, as a member of the CDK family, CDKL3 may be influenced by drugs that target CDKs and related kinases, including:

- **CDK Inhibitors**: Drugs like palbociclib and ribociclib, which inhibit CDK4/6, may indirectly affect the functionality of CDKL3 and other similar kinases.

#### 4. Pathways and Biological Processes

CDKL3 is involved in several critical biological processes and molecular pathways, such as:

- **Cell Cycle Regulation**: Plays a role in different phases of the cell cycle.
- **Signal Transduction Pathways**: May contribute to signaling cascades, especially those modulating cellular proliferation and differentiation.
- **Apoptosis**: Potentially involved in pathways regulating programmed cell death, though specific pathways for CDKL3 require further study.
- **Neurodevelopment**: Given its function and expression patterns, it may play a role in neuronal development, though explicit pathways require investigation.

### Conclusion

The CDKL3 gene has a pivotal role in cell cycle regulation and may have implications in cancer and potentially aging-related processes. Further research is warranted to elucidate its specific mechanisms and therapeutic potential linked with CDK inhibitors and other related pathways.