Serine/threonine-protein kinase, which plays a role in the response to environmental stress (PubMed:24362026). Appears to act upstream of the JUN N-terminal pathway (PubMed:8824585). Activator of the Hippo signaling pathway which plays a pivotal role in organ size control and tumor suppression by restricting proliferation and promoting apoptosis. MAP4Ks act in parallel to and are partially redundant with STK3/MST2 and STK4/MST2 in the phosphorylation and activation of LATS1/2, and establish MAP4Ks as components of the expanded Hippo pathway (PubMed:26437443). May play a role in hematopoietic lineage decisions and growth regulation (PubMed:24362026, PubMed:8824585). Together with CLNK, it enhances CD3-triggered activation of T-cells and subsequent IL2 production (By similarity).
