ULK1 is involved in autophagy. Required for autophagosome formation (By similarity). Target of the TOR kinase signaling pathway that regulates autophagy through the control of phosphorylation status of ATG13/KIAA0652 and ULK1, and the regulation of the ATG13-ULK1-RB1CC1 complex (By similarity). Phosphorylates ATG13/KIAA0652. Involved in axon growth (By similarity). Plays an essential role in neurite extension of cerebellar granule cells (By similarity).