Serine/threonine-protein kinase involved in transcription regulation, apoptosis and steroidogenic gene expression. Phosphorylates JUN and RUNX2. Seems to negatively regulate apoptosis by promoting FADD phosphorylation. Enhances androgen receptor-mediated transcription. May act as a transcriptional corepressor for NK homeodomain transcription factors. The phosphorylation of NR5A1 activates SF1 leading to increased steroidogenic gene expression upon cAMP signaling pathway stimulation. In osteoblasts, supports transcription activation: phosphorylates RUNX2 that synergizes with SPEN/MINT to enhance FGFR2- mediated activation of the osteocalcin FGF-responsive element (OCFRE). . This is the function of Ensembl gene identifier ENSG00000110422 (HIPK3, homeodomain interacting protein kinase 3).