Serine/threonine kinase which is involved in the regulation of apoptosis, autophagy, transcription, translation and actin cytoskeleton reorganization. Involved in the regulation of smooth muscle contraction. Regulates both type I (caspase-dependent) apoptotic and type II (caspase-independent) autophagic cell deaths signal, depending on the cellular setting. Involved in regulation of starvation-induced autophagy. Regulates myosin phosphorylation in both smooth muscle and non-muscle cells. In smooth muscle, regulates myosin either directly by phosphorylating MYL12B and MYL9 or through inhibition of smooth muscle myosin phosphatase (SMPP1M) via phosphorylation of PPP1R12A; the inhibition of SMPP1M functions to enhance muscle responsiveness to Ca2+ and promote a contractile state. Phosphorylates MYL12B in non-muscle cells leading to reorganization of actin cytoskeleton. Isoform 2 can phosphorylate myosin, PPP1R12A and MYL12B. Overexpression leads to condensation of actin stress fibers into thick bundles. Involved