Serine/threonine-protein kinase that may phosphorylate and inactivate the phosphatase mel-11, and thereby contribute to the regulation of myosin II contractility during embryonic elongation (PubMed:19675126). Involved in controlling canal length and Golgi/ER integrity during excretory canal elongation (PubMed:25743393). ATP + L-seryl-[protein] = ADP + H(+) + O-phospho-L-seryl-[protein] ATP + L-threonyl-[protein] = ADP + H(+) + O-phospho-L-threonyl-[protein] Forms parallel punctate bundles in dorsal and ventral epidermal cells. Expressed in embryonic and L4 larval seam cells and in embryonic dorsal and ventral epidermal cells. Also expressed in the pharynx throughout development and in sublateral nerve cords in the L4 larva. Normal adult development, but progeny arrest at either the L1 stage or during embryogenesis (PubMed:19675126). RNAi-mediated knockdown causes excretory canal truncation, abnormal lumen and cyst formation. In addition, causes a reduced distribution of Golgi and ER components along the excretory canal length and a decrease in cdc-42 activation (PubMed:25743393). Belongs to the protein kinase superfamily. AGC Ser/Thr protein kinase family. DMPK subfamily.