Probable serine/threonine-protein kinase required for the completion of molting. ATP + L-seryl-[protein] = ADP + H(+) + O-phospho-L-seryl-[protein] ATP + L-threonyl-[protein] = ADP + H(+) + O-phospho-L-threonyl-[protein] In hyp7 syncytium, localizes in puncta and small tubules near the plasma membrane apical region. Does not co-localize with nekl-2. Expressed in hypodermal cells including in hyp7 syncytium but not in seam cells. May be expressed in vulva, uterus and some neurons. Expressed in the hypodermis at the beginning of embryonic morphogenesis and throughout larval and adult stages. RNAi-mediated knockdown results in a failure to shed the cuticle in the middle part of the body at the end of the first molt. Belongs to the protein kinase superfamily. NEK Ser/Thr protein kinase family. NIMA subfamily.