Required for JNK activation in response to excitotoxic stress. Cytoplasmic MAPK8IP1 causes inhibition of JNK-regulated activity by retaining JNK in the cytoplasm and inhibiting JNK phosphorylation of c-Jun. May also participate in ApoER2-specific reelin signaling. Directly, or indirectly, regulates GLUT2 gene expression and beta-cell function. Appears to have a role in cell signaling in mature and developing nerve terminals. May function as a regulator of vesicle transport, through interactions with the JNK-signaling components and motor proteins. Functions as an anti-apoptotic protein and whose level seems to influence the beta-cell death or survival response. Acts as a scaffold protein that coordinates with SH3RF1 in organizing different components of the JNK pathway, including RAC1 or RAC2, MAP3K11/MLK3 or MAP3K7/TAK1, MAP2K7/MKK7, MAPK8/JNK1 and/or MAPK9/JNK2 into a functional multiprotein complex to ensure the effective activation of the JNK signaling pathway. Regulates the activation of MAPK8/JNK1 and differentiation of CD8(+) T-cells. The JNK-interacting protein (JIP) group of scaffold proteins selectively mediates JNK signaling by aggregating specific components of the MAPK cascade to form a functional JNK signaling module.