Centrosomal protein that plays a key role in cell delamination by regulating microtubule organization (PubMed:30787442). Required for the delamination and retention of neural stem cells from the subventricular zone during neurogenesis (PubMed:30787442). Also regulates the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition in other epithelial cells (PubMed:30787442). Acts by increasing centrosomal microtubule nucleation and recruiting nucleation factors and minus-end stabilizers, thereby destabilizing microtubules at the adherens junctions and mediating constriction of the apical endfoot (PubMed:30787442). In addition, may also act as a transcription factor that specifically activates the expression of the CD40 receptor and its ligand CD40L/CD154, two cell surface molecules on lymphocytes that are critical for antigen-dependent-B-cell development (By similarity). Binds to A/T-rich promoters (By similarity). It is unclear how it can both act as a microtubule organizer and as a transcription factor; additional evidences are required to reconcile these two apparently contradictory functions (Probable). Interacts with DCTN1 (PubMed:30787442). Interacts with MAPRE1/EB1 (PubMed:30787442). Interacts with ODF2 (PubMed:30787442). Interacts with CAMSAP3 (PubMed:30787442). Localizes to the distal part of the subdistal appendages of the mother centriole in interphase (PubMed:30787442). Also found at the proximal ends of centrioles and along microtubules (PubMed:30787442). The centrosomal localization is dependent on centrioles (PubMed:30787442). Dissociates from centrosomes during M-phase without proteolytic degradation and reassembles at the centrosomes during late telophase and early G1 phase (PubMed:30787442). Dissociation and reassembly is regulated by phosphorylation (PubMed:30787442). Expressed in neural stem cells isolated at the peak of subventricular zone (SVZ): localizes at the subdistal appendages of the mother centriole in specific subtypes of neural stem cells and in almost all basal progenitors. During development, expressed when the subventricular zone (SVZ) is generated (low at 11 dpc, high at 14 dpc and low at 18 dpc). Phosphorylated; phosphorylation regulates dissociation from and reassembly at the centrosome. Neonatal lethality: mice fail to thrive and most of them die by postnatal day 10 (PubMed:21606955). Mice display systemic inflammation, predominantly in the lungs, accompanied by enhanced leukocyte infiltration and alveolar destruction (PubMed:21606955). Belongs to the AKNA family.