Negatively regulates lifespan and health span probably by participating in nutrient sensing. Expressed in vulval and body wall muscles, hypodermis, seam cells and tissues next to pharynx and anus. The protein kinase domain is predicted to be catalytically inactive. RNAi-mediated knockdown causes an increase in lifespan of about 60 percent compared to wild type but only when done at an early larval stage. Lifespan increase is associated with a decrease in the accumulation of the age pigment lipofuscin, a delayed age-onset nuclear membrane disintegration in muscles and loss of mobility. In addition, causes an increase in lipid catabolism resulting in fewer fat droplets in intestinal cells and hypodermis and lower triglycerides levels. Transcriptional up-regulation of genes involved in fatty acid degradation and in xenobiotic detoxification and decrease in cellular oxygen reactive species (ROS) production. Low brood size, longer reproductive span, increased autophagosome formation in seam cells and smaller body size. Normal pharyngeal pumping and feeding rate. RNAi-mediated knockdown in muscles or hypodermis causes a moderate increase in lifespan. Belongs to the protein kinase superfamily. STE Ser/Thr protein kinase family. Although the residues involved in the catalytic activity are absent, suggesting that the kinase is inactive, some kinase activity has been detected.