Calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase that operates in the calcium-triggered CaMKK-CaMK1 signaling cascade and, upon calcium influx, activates CREB-dependent gene transcription, regulates calcium-mediated granulocyte function and respiratory burst and promotes basal dendritic growth of hippocampal neurons. In neutrophil cells, required for cytokine-induced proliferative responses and activation of the respiratory burst. Activates the transcription factor CREB1 in hippocampal neuron nuclei. May play a role in apoptosis of erythroleukemia cells. In vitro, phosphorylates transcription factor CREM isoform Beta.
Subcellular locations: Cytoplasm, Nucleus
Predominantly cytoplasmic. Nuclear localization increases upon activation by KCl treatment in hippocampal neurons.
Widely expressed. Highly and mostly expressed in polymorphonuclear leukocytes (neutrophilic and eosinophilic granulocytes) while little or no expression is observed in monocytes and lymphocytes.