Serine/threonine-protein kinase Sgk3 (SGK3), also designated serum/glucocorticoid regulated kinase 3, belongs to the Ser/Thr protein kinase family of proteins. The serum- and glucocorticoid-regulated kinase proteins are closely related to the Akt protein family. SGK1, a homolog of SGK3, activates ion channels, in particular potassium (K+) channels. SGK2 and SGK3 have been found to also be involved in this activation process, making all three of these proteins important regulators for cell proliferation, epithelial transport and neuromuscular excitability. SGK3 acts as a mediator of IL-3 dependent survival signals in the cell. It localizes to the early endosome and in vesicle-like structures. SGK3 is a widely expressed protein, but it is primarily detected in kidney, liver, pancreas, brain and heart. Phosphorylation of SGK3 at residue Ser 486 leads to an increase in SGK3 activation.