[5][6][7] The gene was identified by its oncogenic transforming activity in cells.

This kinase was also found to promote the production of TNF-alpha and IL-2 during T lymphocyte activation.

Studies of a similar gene in rat suggested the direct involvement of this kinase in the proteolysis of NF-kappaB1, p105 (NFKB1).

The shorter isoform has been shown to display weaker transforming activity.

[10] However, it functions in other organs as a oncogene, promoting cancer.