Serine/threonine-protein kinase that acts as a regulator of the p38/MAPK14 stress-activated MAPK cascade and of the MAPK8/JNK cascade. Acts as an activator of the p38/MAPK14 stress-activated MAPK cascade. In response to DNA damage, involved in the G2/M transition DNA damage checkpoint by activating the p38/MAPK14 stress-activated MAPK cascade, probably by mediating phosphorylation of upstream MAP2K3 and MAP2K6 kinases. Inhibits basal activity of MAPK8/JNK cascade and diminishes its activation in response epidermal growth factor (EGF).Tassi E., J. Biol. Chem. 274:33287-33295(1999).Zhang W., Biochem. Biophys. Res. Commun. 274:872-879(2000).Yustein J.T., Oncogene 22:6129-6141(2003).