The function of NUAK2 (NUAK family kinase 2, ENSG00000163545) is as follows. Stress-activated kinase involved in tolerance to glucose starvation. Induces cell-cell detachment by increasing F-actin conversion to G-actin. Expression is induced by CD95 or TNF, via NF- kappa-B. Protects cells from CD95-mediated apoptosis and is required for the increased motility and invasiveness of CD95-activated tumor cells. Phosphorylates LATS1 and LATS2. Plays a key role in neural tube closure during embryonic development through LATS2 phosphorylation and regulation of the nuclear localization of YAP1 a critical downstream regulatory target in the Hippo signaling pathway (PubMed:32845958). {ECO:0000269|PubMed:14575707, ECO:0000269|PubMed:14976552, ECO:0000269|PubMed:15345718, ECO:0000269|PubMed:19927127, ECO:0000269|PubMed:32845958}.