Since text is simply a modified Shape Layer, it stands to reason that any modifications you can do to text - including extruding into 3D - can be applied to a basic Shape Layer too. Lines that are dotted and tapered can become 3D, and an animated Trim Path can be applied to these 3D elements. The possibilities are endless.
Finally, along with Shape Layers, After Effects now comes with a small library of native 3D meshes that can be introduced into a comp. I think it is fair to say, with these new additions to After Effects, we are about to see an explosion of 3D motion graphics....