This gene encodes a serine/threonine protein kinase related to the dual specific mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase (MAPKK) family. Evidence suggests that mitotic phosphorylation is required for its catalytic activity. The encoded protein may be involved in the activation of lymphoid cells and support testicular functions, with a suggested role in the process of spermatogenesis. Overexpression of this gene has been implicated in tumorigenesis. Alternative splicing results in multiple transcript variants. [provided by RefSeq, Jul 2013]