Synaptonemal Complex Protein 2 (SYCP2)

The synaptonemal complex is a proteinaceous structure that links homologous chromosomes during the prophase of meiosis. SYCP2 is a major component of the synaptonemal complex and may bind DNA at scaffold attachment regions. The protein requires synaptonemal complex protein 3, but not 1, for inclusion in the synaptonemal complex.

It contains 2 clusters of S/T-P motifs, which are common in DNA-binding proteins, and a C-terminal coiled-coil region. Scp2 shows some similarity at the amino acid sequence and secondary structural levels to the S. cerevisiae Red1 protein, which is involved in meiotic recombination and the assembly of axial elements of synaptonemal complexes.Scp2 was expressed exclusively in rat testis.