Protein kinase which influences neuronal morphogenesis and polarity through effects on microtubules. Regulates microtubule acetylation in neurons. Contributes to prolactin-mediated phosphorylation of PXN and VAV2. ATP + L-seryl-[protein] = ADP + H(+) + O-phospho-L-seryl-[protein] ATP + L-threonyl-[protein] = ADP + H(+) + O-phospho-L-threonyl-[protein] Interacts with PXN, PRLR, VAV1 and VAV2 and this interaction is prolactin-dependent. Brain. Highly expressed during embryogenesis and early postnatal life, but is expressed at lower levels in adults. Phosphorylation at Thr-477 regulates its catalytic activity. Belongs to the protein kinase superfamily. NEK Ser/Thr protein kinase family. NIMA subfamily.