This gene encodes a member of the polo family of serine/threonine protein kinases. The protein localizes to the nucleolus during G2, to centrosomes during G2/M, and to the cleavage furrow during cytokinesis. It is required for progression through mitosis, cell survival, and embryonic development. The mouse genome contains a pseudogene similar to this gene. Three transcript variants encoding two different isoforms have been found for this gene. [provided by RefSeq, Nov 2011]