Tumor suppressor serine/threonine-protein kinase that controls the activity of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) family members, thereby playing a role in various processes such as cell metabolism, cell polarity, apoptosis and DNA damage response. Acts by phosphorylating the T-loop of AMPK family proteins, leading to promote their activity (By similarity). ATP + L-seryl-[protein] = ADP + H(+) + O-phospho-L-seryl-[protein] ATP + L-threonyl-[protein] = ADP + H(+) + O-phospho-L-threonyl-[protein] Catalytic component of a trimeric complex composed of STK11/LKB1, STRAD (STRADA or STRADB) and CAB39/MO25 (CAB39/MO25alpha or CAB39L/MO25beta). Ubiquitously expressed in all tissues tested. High levels were observed in duodenum and skeletal muscle, lower levels in liver and pancreas. Belongs to the protein kinase superfamily. CAMK Ser/Thr protein kinase family. LKB1 subfamily.