Required for MAP kinase p38 (MAPK11, MAPK12, MAPK13 and/or MAPK14) activation during gastrulation. Required for down-regulation of E-cadherin during gastrulation by regulating E-cadherin protein level downstream from NCK-interacting kinase (NIK) and independently of the regulation of transcription by FGF signaling and Snail (By similarity). Required for starvation-induced ATG9A trafficking during autophagy.