The function of Ensembl gene identifier ENSG00000140474 (ULK3, unc-51 like kinase 3) is as follows. Serine/threonine protein kinase that acts as a regulator of smoothened signaling and autophagy (PubMed:19279323, PubMed:19878745, PubMed:20643644, PubMed:31279575). 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 (PubMed:19878745, PubMed:20643644, PubMed:31279575). Also phosphorylates as GLI1 and GLI3, although less efficiently (PubMed:19878745, PubMed:20643644). 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) (PubMed:20643644). Also acts as a regulator of autophagy: following cellular senescence, able to induce autophagy (PubMed:19279323). {ECO:0000269|PubMed:19279323, ECO:0000269|PubMed:19878745, ECO:0000269|PubMed:20643644, ECO:0000269|PubMed:31279575}.