DCAMKL1, also known as DCLK1, is a member of the protein kinase superfamily and the doublecortin family. It contains two N-terminal doublecortin domains, which bind microtubules and regulate microtubule polymerization, a C-terminal serine/threonine protein kinase domain, which shows substantial homology to Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase, and a serine/proline-rich domain in between the doublecortin and the protein kinase domains, which mediates multiple protein-protein interactions. DCAMKL1 is involved in several different cellular processes, including neuronal migration, retrograde transport, neuronal apoptosis and neurogenesis. Its microtubule-polymerizing activity is independent of its protein kinase activity. DCAMKL1 may be involved in a calcium-signaling pathway controlling neuronal migration in the developing brain. It may also participate in functions of the mature nervous system.