This gene encodes a member of the serine/threonine kinase family of enzymes. This family member is similar to a Drosophila protein that plays a key role in the Hedgehog signaling pathway. This human protein is a positive regulator of the GLI zinc-finger transcription factors. Knockout studies of the homologous mouse gene suggest that defects in this human gene may lead to congenital hydrocephalus, possibly due to a functional defect in motile cilia. Because Hedgehog signaling is frequently activated in certain kinds of gastrointestinal cancers, it has been suggested that this gene is a target for the treatment of these cancers. Alternative splicing of this gene results in multiple transcript variants. [provided by RefSeq, Aug 2011],catalytic activity:ATP + a protein = ADP + a phosphoprotein.,cofactor:Magnesium.,function:Serine/threonine protein kinase required for postnatal development, possibly by regulating the homeostasis of cerebral spinal fluid or ciliary function. Controls the activity of the transcriptional regulators GLI1, GLI2 and GLI3 by opposing the effect of SUFU and promoting their nuclear localization. GLI2 requires an additional function of STK36 to become transcriptionally active, but the enzyme does not need to possess an active kinase catalytic site for this to occur.,similarity:Belongs to the protein kinase superfamily. Ser/Thr protein kinase family.,similarity:Contains 1 protein kinase domain.,subcellular location:Low levels also present in the nucleus.,tissue specificity:Expressed at low levels in most fetal tissues, adult ovaries and at high levels in adult testis, where it is localized in germ cells.,
