Plays a role in the cellular response to UV irradiation. Mediates G2/M cell cycle arrest, MEK autoactivation and ERK1/2-signaling pathway activation in response to UV irradiation. In ciliated cells of airways, it is involved in the regulation of mucociliary transport (PubMed:31959991). ATP + L-seryl-[protein] = ADP + H(+) + O-phospho-L-seryl-[protein] ATP + L-threonyl-[protein] = ADP + H(+) + O-phospho-L-threonyl-[protein] Interacts with RAF1 and MAP2K1; the interaction is direct with RAF1 and required for ERK1/2-signaling pathway activation in response to UV irradiation. Expressed in the lung. The disease is caused by variants affecting the gene represented in this entry. Belongs to the protein kinase superfamily. NEK Ser/Thr protein kinase family. NIMA subfamily.