Probable transcription factor required for chromosome organization and progression during male meiosis (e.g. microsporogenesis) (PubMed:12782723, PubMed:14573517). Necessary for fertility and meiotic progressive compaction of prophase I chromosomes to metaphase I bivalents (PubMed:27385818). Together with JMJ16, promotes gene expression in male meiocytes in an H3K9me3-dependent manner, and contributes to meiotic chromosome condensation by triggering some condensin promoters (e.g. CAP-D3 and CAP-H) (PubMed:32572214, PubMed:27385818). Interacts with JMJ16 in the nucleus of male meiocytes, especially on pachytene chromosomes. Expressed in inflorescence, specifically in male meiocytes. First detected in sporogenous cells at late anther stage 4. Maximum levels observed in male meiocytes at anther stage 5, prior to meiosis. Fades out at anther stage 6, during meiosis to disappear later. Also present at low levels in the placenta of very young pistils. Male sterile that lacks pollen and undergoes an aberrant male meiosis resulting in the formation of two uni- to tri-nucleate cells instead of a normal tetrad, accompanied by aberrant chromosomal organization from diplotene followed by metaphase 1 arrest. After, male meiocytes exhibit signs of apoptosis, including defects in chromosome behavior, cytoplasmic shrinkage, and chromatin fragmentation, followed by cell death before cytokinesis. Reduced expression of several condensin genes in meiocytes leading to defective meiotic chromosome condensation in male meiocytes (PubMed:27385818, PubMed:32572214). Increased H3K9me3 levels specifically in male meiocytes leading to greater number of down-regulated than up-regulated genes (PubMed:32572214).