ULK3

Serine/threonine protein kinase that acts as a regulator of smoothened signaling and autophagy. Acts as a positive regulator of smoothened signaling in the presence of hedgehog (DHH, IHH or SHH) ligand: autophosphorylates and mediates phosphorylation of full-length GLI2, promoting subsequent phosphorylation by CDK1 and GLI2 dissociation from SUFU and translocation to the nucleus. Also phosphorylates as GLI1 and GLI3, although less efficiently. In the absence of hedgehog ligand, interacts with SUFU, thereby inactivating the protein kinase activity and preventing phosphorylation of GLI proteins (GLI1, GLI2 and/or GLI3). Also acts as a regulator of autophagy: following cellular senescence, able to induce autophagy..

Function from UniProtKB (Q6PHR2), read 2026-09-23. CC BY 4.0.