This gene encodes a serine/threonine protein kinase belonging to the LATS tumor suppressor family. The protein localizes to centrosomes during interphase, and early and late metaphase. It interacts with the centrosomal proteins aurora-A and ajuba and is required for accumulation of gamma-tubulin and spindle formation at the onset of mitosis. It also interacts with a negative regulator of p53 and may function in a positive feedback loop with p53 that responds to cytoskeleton damage. Additionally, it can function as a co-repressor of androgen-responsive gene expression. [provided by RefSeq, Jul 2008]