The protein encoded by this gene is a member of the highly conserved polo-like kinase family of serine/threonine kinases. Members of this family are characterized by an amino-terminal kinase domain and a carboxy-terminal bipartite polo box domain that functions as a substrate-binding motif and a cellular localization signal. Polo-like kinases are important regulators of cell cycle progression. This gene has also been implicated in stress responses and double-strand break repair. In human cell lines, this protein is reported to associate with centrosomes in a microtubule-dependent manner, and during mitosis, the protein becomes localized to the mitotic apparatus. Expression of a kinase-defective mutant results in abnormal cell morphology caused by changes in microtubule dynamics and mitotic arrest followed by apoptosis.