May be involved in the remodeling of cytoskeletal components, such as alpha-tubulin, and in this way regulates neurite branching and elongation, as well as cell motility. ATP + L-seryl-[protein] = ADP + H(+) + O-phospho-L-seryl-[protein] ATP + L-threonyl-[protein] = ADP + H(+) + O-phospho-L-threonyl-[protein] Expressed in embryonic and adult brain. In the brain, widely expressed, with highest levels in layers II/III and V of the cortex, piriform cortex, CA1-3 of hippocampus, dentate gyrus, ependymal cells lining the ventricles and choroid plexus, and in the thalamic reticular nucleus (at protein level). Knockout mice are smaller than sex-matched littermates, and all exhibit domed heads typical of hydrocephalus. The majority die before reaching 4 months of age. Brain lateral and third ventricles are severaly dilated with frequent hemorrhage, sometimes accompanied by fibrosis and neovascularization of the meninges and choroid. Nasal passages and maxillary sinuses are partially filled with varying combinations of proteinaceous fluid or suppurative exudates. Suppurative otitis media is frequently observed. On the respiratory epithelium and ependymal cells lining the dilated ventricles, cilia are shorter than those in wild-type littermate control mice (PubMed:21746835). Partial agenesis of the corpus callosum has also been reported (PubMed:24284070). Belongs to the protein kinase superfamily. Ser/Thr protein kinase family. APG1/unc-51/ULK1 subfamily.