Serine/threonine-protein kinase component of the chromosomal passenger complex (CPC), a complex that acts as a key regulator of mitosis. The CPC complex has essential functions at the centromere in ensuring correct chromosome alignment and segregation and is required for chromatin-induced microtubule stabilization and spindle assembly. Also plays a role in meiosis and more particularly in spermatogenesis. Has redundant cellular functions with AURKB and can rescue an AURKB knockdown. Like AURKB, AURKC phosphorylates histone H3 at 'Ser-10' and 'Ser-28'. AURKC phosphorylates the CPC complex subunits BIRC5/survivin and INCENP leading to increased AURKC activity. Phosphorylates TACC1, another protein involved in cell division, at 'Ser-228'.