Multitasking protein that has dual roles in promoting cell proliferation and preventing apoptosis. Component of a chromosome passage protein complex (CPC) which is essential for chromosome alignment and segregation during mitosis and cytokinesis. Acts as an important regulator of the localization of this complex; directs CPC movement to different locations from the inner centromere during prometaphase to midbody during cytokenesis and participates in the organization of the center spindle by associating with polymerized microtubules. The complex with RAN plays a role in mitotic spindle formation by serving as a physical scaffold to help deliver the RAN effector molecule TPX2 to microtubules. May counteract a default induction of apoptosis in G2/M phase. The acetylated form represses STAT3 transactivation of target gene promoters. May play a role in neoplasia. Inhibitor of CASP3 and CASP7 (By similarity). {ECO:0000250}.