Enables eukaryotic translation initiation factor 2alpha kinase activity and tRNA binding activity. Involved in several processes, including GCN2-mediated signaling; learning or memory; and regulation of translational initiation. Acts upstream of or within cellular response to starvation; endoplasmic reticulum unfolded protein response; and regulation of translation. Part of polysome. Is expressed in several structures, including gut; hemolymphoid system gland; liver; lung; and ovary. Human ortholog(s) of this gene implicated in pulmonary venoocclusive disease. Orthologous to human EIF2AK4 (eukaryotic translation initiation factor 2 alpha kinase 4). [provided by Alliance of Genome Resources, Apr 2022]