This gene encodes a member of the protein kinase superfamily and the doublecortin family. The protein encoded by this gene contains two N-terminal doublecortin domains, which bind microtubules and regulate microtubule polymerization, a C-terminal serine/threonine protein kinase domain, which shows substantial homology to Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase, and a serine/proline-rich domain in between the doublecortin and the protein kinase domains, which mediates multiple protein-protein interactions. The microtubule-polymerizing activity of the encoded protein is independent of its protein kinase activity. Mouse studies show that the DCX gene, another family member, and this gene share function in the establishment of hippocampal organization and that their absence results in a severe epileptic phenotype and lethality, as described in human patients with lissencephaly. Multiple alternatively spliced transcript variants have been identified. [provided by RefSeq, Sep 2010].
Function: Protein kinase with a significantly reduced Ca2+/CAM affinity and dependence compared to other members of the CaMK family. May play a role in the down-regulation of CRE-dependent gene activation probably by phosphorylation of the CREB coactivator CRTC2/TORC2 and the resulting retention of TORC2 in the cytoplasm (By similarity).