Required for organization of the cellular microtubule array and microtubule anchoring at the centrosome. May regulate microtubule organization at least in part by targeting the microtubule severing protein KATNA1 to the centrosome. Also positively regulates the activity of the minus-end directed microtubule motor protein dynein. May enhance dynein-mediated microtubule sliding by targeting dynein to the microtubule plus ends. Required for several dynein- and microtubule-dependent processes such as the maintenance of Golgi integrity, the centripetal motion of secretory vesicles and the coupling of the nucleus and centrosome. Also required during brain development for the migration of newly formed neurons from the ventricular/subventricular zone toward the cortical plate. Required for mitosis in some cell types but appears to be dispensible for mitosis in cortical neuronal progenitors, which instead requires NDE1. Facilitates the polymerization of neurofilaments from the individual subunits NEFH and NEFL. Positively regulates lysosome peripheral distribution and ruffled border formation in osteoclasts (By similarity). Plays a role, together with DISC1, in the regulation of neurite outgrowth. Self-associates. Interacts with dynactin, tubulin gamma, KATNA1, KATNB1, microtubules, PCM1, PCNT, and YWHAE. Interacts directly with NEFL and indirectly with NEFH. Interacts (via C-terminus) with CENPF. Interacts with DISC1, dynein and PAFAH1B1. Interacts with ZNF365. Interacts with PLEKHM1 (via N- and C-terminus). Localizes to the mitotic spindle and to the microtubules of the manchette in elongated spermatids (By similarity). Localizes to the interphase centrosome. Localizes to the cell body of the motor neurons and colocalizes with assembled neurofilaments within axonal processes. Colocalizes with DISC1 in the perinuclear region, including the centrosome. Up-regulated during neurite outgrowth upon differentiation with NGF. Phosphorylated in mitosis. Can be phosphorylated by CDK1, CDK5 and MAPK1. Phosphorylation by CDK5 promotes interaction with KATNA1 and YWHAE (By similarity). Palmitoylation at Cys-273 reduces affinity for dynein. Belongs to the nudE family. Was originally thought to function as an oligopeptidase (NUDEL-oligopeptidase or endooligopeptidase A) which could regulate peptide levels relevant to brain function.