The protein encoded by this gene is a putative serine/threonine kinase that localizes to the mitotic apparatus and complexes with cell cycle controller CDC2 kinase in early mitosis. The protein is phosphorylated in a cell-cycle dependent manner, with late prophase phosphorylation remaining through metaphase. The N-terminal region of the protein binds CDC2 to form a complex showing reduced H1 histone kinase activity, indicating a role as a negative regulator of CDC2/cyclin A. In addition, the C-terminal kinase domain binds to its own N-terminal region, suggesting potential negative regulation through interference with complex formation via intramolecular binding. Biochemical and genetic data suggest a role as a tumor suppressor. This is supported by studies in knockout mice showing development of soft-tissue sarcomas, ovarian stromal cell tumors and a high sensitivity to carcinogenic treatmencatalytic activity:ATP + a protein = ADP + a phosphoprotein.,cofactor:Magnesium.,function:Tumor suppressor which plays a critical role in maintenance of ploidy through its actions in both mitotic progression and the G1 tetraploidy checkpoint. Negatively regulates G2/M transition by down-regulating CDC2 kinase activity. Involved in the control of p53 expression. Affects cytokinesis by regulating actin polymerization through negative modulation of LIMK1. May also play a role in endocrine function.,PTM:Autophosphorylated and phosphorylated during M-phase of the cell cycle. Phosphorylated by STK3 at Ser-909 and Thr-1079, which results in its activation. Phosphorylated upon DNA damage, probably by ATM or ATR.,similarity:Belongs to the protein kinase superfamily. AGC Ser/Thr protein kinase family.,similarity:Contains 1 AGC-kinase C-terminal domain.,similarity:Contains 1 protein kinase domain.,similarity:Contains 1 UBA domain.,subcellular location:Localizes to the centrosomes throughout interphase but migrates to the mitotic apparatus, including spindle pole bodies, mitotic spindle, and midbody, during mitosis.,subunit:Complexes with CDC2 in early mitosis. LATS1-associated CDC2 has no mitotic cyclin partner and no apparent kinase activity. Binds phosphorylated ZYX, locating this protein to the mitotic spindle and suggesting a role for actin regulatory proteins during mitosis. Binds to and colocalizes with LIMK1 at the actomyosin contractile ring during cytokinesis.,tissue specificity:Expressed in all adult tissues examined except for lung and kidney.,
