Serine/threonine-protein kinase that plays a key role in polarization of neurons and axonogenesis, cell cycle progress and insulin secretion. Phosphorylates CDK16, CDC25C, MAPT/TAU, PAK1 and WEE1. Following phosphorylation and activation by STK11/LKB1, acts as a key regulator of polarization of cortical neurons, probably by mediating phosphorylation of microtubule-associated proteins such as MAPT/TAU at 'Thr-529' and 'Ser-579'. Also regulates neuron polarization by mediating phosphorylation of WEE1 at 'Ser-642' in postmitotic neurons, leading to down-regulate WEE1 activity in polarized neurons. Plays a role in the regulation of the mitotic cell cycle progress and the onset of mitosis. Plays a role in the regulation of insulin secretion in response to elevated glucose levels, probably via phosphorylation of CDK16 and PAK1. While BRSK2 phosphorylated at Thr-174 can inhibit insulin secretion , BRSK2 phosphorylated at Thr-260 can promote insulin secretion . Regulates reorganization of the actin cytoskeleton. May play a role in the apoptotic response triggered by endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress.
Subcellular locations: Cytoplasm, Cytoskeleton, Microtubule organizing center, Centrosome, Cytoplasm, Perinuclear region, Endoplasmic reticulum
Detected at centrosomes during mitosis. Localizes to the endoplasmic reticulum in response to stress caused by tunicamycin.
Detected in pancreas islets (at protein level).