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 (By similarity). 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 (By similarity). Expressed only in testis. Expressed on day 14 dpc in prepubertal testis, expression reached its plateau on day 21 dpc and remained at a high level in adult. Belongs to the protein kinase superfamily. Ser/Thr protein kinase family. Aurora subfamily.