Stress-activated kinase involved in tolerance to glucose starvation. Induces cell-cell detachment by increasing F-actin conversion to G-actin. Expression is induced by CD95 or TNF-alpha, via NF-kappa-B. Protects cells from CD95-mediated apoptosis and is required for the increased motility and invasiveness of CD95-activated tumor cells. Phosphorylates LATS1 and LATS2. Plays a key role in neural tube closure during embryonic development through LATS2 phosphorylation and regulation of the nuclear localization of YAP1 a critical downstream regulatory target in the Hippo signaling pathway (PubMed:32845958).
