Overexpression affects chitinase expression, cell separation and budding pattern, and increases trehalose accumulation and heat resistance by inhibiting protein kinase CBK1. Overexpression also suppresses temperature-induced hyperosmosensitivity and sensitivity to cell wall degrading enzymes. Overexpression of both LRE1 and PBN1 confers resistance to laminarinase. Phosphorylated by CDC28/CDK1.