Serine/threonine-protein kinase component of the chromosomal passenger complex (CPC), a complex that acts as a key regulator of mitosis. The CPC complex has essential functions at the centromere in ensuring correct chromosome alignment and segregation and is required for chromatin-induced microtubule stabilization and spindle assembly. Also plays a role in meiosis and more particularly in spermatogenesis. Has redundant cellular functions with AURKB and can rescue an AURKB knockdown. Like AURKB, AURKC phosphorylates histone H3 at 'Ser-10' and 'Ser-28'. AURKC phosphorylates the CPC complex subunits BIRC5/survivin and INCENP leading to increased AURKC activity. Phosphorylates TACC1, another protein involved in cell division, at 'Ser-228'. ATP + L-seryl-[protein] = ADP + H(+) + O-phospho-L-seryl-[protein] ATP + L-threonyl-[protein] = ADP + H(+) + O-phospho-L-threonyl-[protein] Okadaic acid, an inhibitor of protein phosphatase 1 (PP1), protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A) and protein phosphatase 5 (PP5), increases AURKC activity. AURKC is also stabilized through its interaction with INCENP, which acts also as an activator. Component of the chromosomal passenger complex (CPC) composed of at least BIRC5/survivin, CDCA8/borealin, INCENP, AURKB or AURKC; predominantly independent AURKB- and AURKC-containing complexes exist; in the complex interacts directly with BIRC5/survivin and INCENP. Interacts with TACC1. Distributes in the condensed chromosomes during prophase to metaphase. After entering anaphase, there is a dissociation from separated chromosomes and a redistribution to midzone microtubules, and finally remains in the midbody during cytokinesis. Isoform 1 and isoform 2 are expressed in testis. Elevated expression levels were seen only in a subset of cancer cell lines such as Hep-G2, Huh-7 and HeLa. Expression is maximum at M phase. Expression is cell cycle-regulated, with an increase during G2 and M phases. The disease is caused by variants affecting the gene represented in this entry. Belongs to the protein kinase superfamily. Ser/Thr protein kinase family. Aurora subfamily.