Might be involved in DNA-binding; the protein binds DNA in gel-shift assays and immunogold electron microscopy shows labelling of condensed chromatin. Only detected in the small cell variant (SCV) stage (at protein level). LCVs are more metabolically active than SCVs. The protein is present in SCVs from Nine Mile phase I strains, but its distribution in phase II strains was not examined (PubMed:8899704). The protein sequence was determined from Nine Mile phase II cells.