### ELMO3 Gene Overview

**Gene Symbol**: ELMO3  
**Location**: Human chromosome 15

**Function**: The ELMO3 gene encodes a protein that plays a critical role in cytoskeletal rearrangements necessary for the phagocytosis of apoptotic cells and cell motility. It interacts with DOCK1 (dedicator of cytokinesis 1) and CRK (C-Ret oncogene) to facilitate these processes and is thought to enhance the guanine nucleotide exchange factor (GEF) activity of DOCK1. ELMO3 exhibits similarity to a protein from *Caenorhabditis elegans* involved in similar functions.

### 1. Associated Genes
ELMO3 is primarily known for its interaction with the following genes:

- **DOCK1**: A primary interacting partner, known to, function as a guanine nucleotide exchange factor for Rho GTPases, particularly Rac.
- **CRK**: An adaptor protein that mediates signal transduction processes, particularly those that lead to cytoskeletal changes.
- **Rac GTPases (e.g., Rac1)**: ELMO3 functions together with DOCK1 to activate Rac, which is essential for actin cytoskeletal changes during cell surface extension and motility.

Other genes that may be indirectly associated due to their involvement in similar pathways or processes include:
- **RhoA**: Plays a vital role in many signaling pathways related to cytoskeletal dynamics.
- **RhoB**: Another member of the Rho GTPase family which could be involved in the processes that ELMO3 influences.

### 2. Aging and Age-Related Diseases
There is limited specific data available directly linking ELMO3 to aging or age-related diseases. However, the role of ELMO3 in phagocytosis and cell migration suggests a potential involvement in:

- **Immunity and Inflammation**: Impaired phagocytosis can be linked to age-related decline in immune response, potentially increasing susceptibility to infections and diseases.
- **Neurodegenerative Disorders**: Altered apoptotic cell clearance can contribute to neurodegenerative conditions (e.g., Alzheimer's disease).

More research is needed to elucidate the direct implications of ELMO3 in the aging process or specific age-related diseases.

### 3. Drug Interactions
Currently, there are no specific drugs or drug classes that are widely recognized to directly interact with ELMO3. However, since ELMO3 plays a role in processes related to cell migration and invasion, drugs that modulate cytoskeletal dynamics or target pathways involving Rac GTPases may indirectly affect ELMO3-related functions.

### 4. Pathways and Biological Processes
ELMO3 is involved in several critical biological pathways and processes, including:

- **Phagocytosis**: Essential for the clearance of apoptotic cells, preventing inflammation and autoimmune responses.
- **Cell Migration**: Critical in immune responses and wound healing.
- **Cytoskeletal Rearrangement**: Involvement in actin rearrangements, crucial for various cellular functions including cell shape and motility.
- **Rho GTPase Activation**: Participates in signaling pathways that regulate numerous cellular functions through the activation of Rho family GTPases.

### Conclusion
In summary, ELMO3 is a crucial gene involved in cytoskeletal rearrangement and phagocytosis through its interactions with DOCK1 and CRK. While it may be associated with aging indirectly through its role in immune processes and cell motility, direct associations with specific age-related diseases or drugs remain to be fully elucidated in ongoing research.