Serine/threonine-protein kinase involved in various processes such as cell cycle regulation, self-renewal of stem cells, apoptosis and splicing regulation (By similarity). Also plays a role in primitive hematopoiesis, possibly by affecting the expression of genes critical for hematopoiesis. ATP + L-seryl-[protein] = ADP + H(+) + O-phospho-L-seryl-[protein] ATP + L-threonyl-[protein] = ADP + H(+) + O-phospho-L-threonyl-[protein] Activated by autophosphorylation of the T-loop at Thr-169 and Ser-173: in contrast to other members of the SNF1 subfamily, phosphorylation at Thr-169 is not mediated by STK11/LKB1 but via autophosphorylation instead. Strongly expressed in the eye, gill, kidney, spleen, muscle, ovary and testis and weakly in the heart, liver, and gut. Expressed in the brain and lateral mesoderm at 12 hours post-fertilization (hpf). The KA1 domain mediates binding to phospholipids and targeting to membranes. Autophosphorylated: autophosphorylation of the T-loop at Thr-169 and Ser-173 is required for activation. Belongs to the protein kinase superfamily. CAMK Ser/Thr protein kinase family. SNF1 subfamily.