Synaptonemal Complex Central Element Protein 2 (SYCE2)

Completion of meiosis in mammals depends on the formation of the synaptonemal complex, a tripartite structure that physically links homologous chromosomes during prophase I. In a search for components of the meiotic machinery, Costa et al. (2005) used expression profiling to find genes that are transcribed in mouse testes between postpartum days 7 and 11 and that differed between normal animals and infertile Dazla mutants, which do not form spermatozoa. They identified 2 such genes, which they designated Syce1 and Cesc1 (SYCE2). Both genes have orthologs in other mammals, including humans. The Syce2 gene encodes a deduced 171-amino acid nonglobular protein with a series of loops and helices, including predicted coiled-coil regions. high expression of Syce2 in testis and lower expression in a wide range of other tissues.