The function of BRSK2 (BR serine/threonine kinase 2, Ensembl gene identifier ENSG00000174672) is as follows. Serine/threonine-protein kinase that plays a key role in polarization of neurons and axonogenesis, cell cycle progress and insulin secretion. Phosphorylates CDK16, CDC25C, MAPT/TAU, PAK1 and WEE1. Following phosphorylation and activation by STK11/LKB1, acts as a key regulator of polarization of cortical neurons, probably by mediating phosphorylation of microtubule-associated proteins such as MAPT/TAU at 'Thr-529' and 'Ser-579'. Also regulates neuron polarization by mediating phosphorylation of WEE1 at 'Ser-642' in postmitotic neurons, leading to down-regulate WEE1 activity in polarized neurons. Plays a role in the regulation of the mitotic cell cycle progress and the onset of mitosis. Plays a role in the regulation of insulin secretion in response to elevated glucose levels, probably via phosphorylation of CDK16 and PAK1. While BRSK2 phosphorylated at Thr- 174 can inhibit insulin secretion (PubMed:22798068), BRSK2 phosphorylated at Thr-260 can promote insulin secretion (PubMed:22669945). Regulates reorganization of the actin cytoskeleton. May play a role in the apoptotic response triggered by endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress. {ECO:0000269|PubMed:14976552, ECO:0000269|PubMed:20026642, ECO:0000269|PubMed:21985311, ECO:0000269|PubMed:22669945, ECO:0000269|PubMed:22798068, ECO:0000269|PubMed:23029325}.