The protein encoded by this gene is a member of the Serine/Threonine protein kinase family. This kinase contains multiple functional domains. Its kinase domain is highly similar to that of the myotonic dystrophy protein kinase (DMPK). This kinase also contains a Rac interactive binding (CRIB) domain, and has been shown to bind CDC42. It may function as a CDC42 downstream effector mediating CDC42 induced peripheral actin formation, and promoting cytoskeletal reorganization. Multiple alternatively spliced transcript variants have been described, and the full-length nature of two of them has been reported. [provided by RefSeq, Jul 2008],catalytic activity:ATP + a protein = ADP + a phosphoprotein.,cofactor:Magnesium.,enzyme regulation:Maintained in an inactive, closed conformation by an interaction between the kinase domain and the negative autoregulatory C-terminal coiled-coil region. Agonist binding to the phorbol ester binding site disrupts this, releasing the kinase domain to allow N-terminus-mediated dimerization and kinase activation by transautophosphorylation.,function:May act as a downstream effector of CDC42 in cytoskeletal reorganization. Contributes to the actomyosin contractility required for cell invasion, through the regulation of MYPT1 and thus MLC2 phosphorylation.,similarity:Belongs to the protein kinase superfamily.,similarity:Belongs to the protein kinase superfamily. AGC Ser/Thr protein kinase family. DMPK subfamily.,similarity:Contains 1 AGC-kinase C-terminal domain.,similarity:Contains 1 CNH domain.,similarity:Contains 1 CRIB domain.,similarity:Contains 1 PH domain.,similarity:Contains 1 phorbol-ester/DAG-type zinc finger.,similarity:Contains 1 protein kinase domain.,subcellular location:Displays a dispersed punctate distribution and concentrates along the cell periphery, especially at the leading edge and cell-cell junction. This concentration is PH-domain dependent.,subunit:Homodimer and homotetramer via the coiled coil regions. Interacts tightly with GTP-bound but not GDP-bound CDC42.,tissue specificity:Abundant in the heart, brain, skeletal muscle, kidney, and pancreas, with little or no expression in the lung and liver.,