Proto-oncogene with serine/threonine kinase activity that can prevent apoptosis, promote cell survival and protein translation. May contribute to tumorigenesis through: the delivery of survival signaling through phosphorylation of BAD which induces release of the anti-apoptotic protein Bcl-X(L), the regulation of cell cycle progression, protein synthesis and by regulation of MYC transcriptional activity. Additionally to this role on tumorigenesis, can also negatively regulate insulin secretion by inhibiting the activation of MAPK1/3 (ERK1/2), through SOCS6. Involved also in the control of energy metabolism and regulation of AMPK activity in modulating MYC and PPARGC1A protein levels and cell growth.