Probable serine-threonine protein kinase involved in the control of defecation rhythms. Required to increase the length of defecation cycle period. Acts in a cell-functional rather than developmental aspect in the regulation of defecation rhythms. ATP + L-seryl-[protein] = ADP + H(+) + O-phospho-L-seryl-[protein] ATP + L-threonyl-[protein] = ADP + H(+) + O-phospho-L-threonyl-[protein] Present in the intestinal cells from comma-stage embryos through the adult stage, although the intestinal expression is weaker after the L1 stage. Accumulates at the cell membrane of intestinal cells, especially the lateral membrane intervening the intestinal cells. Also detected in the muscles of the pharyngeal isthmus from the 3-fold embryonic stage, and in a pair of head neurons, which correspond to the AUA neurons, from the late L1 stage (at protein level). Belongs to the protein kinase superfamily. Ser/Thr protein kinase family.