Single-stranded DNA-binding protein required for homologous recombination in meiosis I. Required for double strand breaks (DSBs) repair and crossover formation and promotion of faithful and complete synapsis. Not required for the initial loading of recombinases but required to maintain a proper number of RAD51 and DMC1 foci after the zygotene stage. May act by ensuring the stabilization of recombinases, which is required for successful homology search and meiotic recombination. Displays Single-stranded DNA 3'-5' exonuclease activity in vitro. Component of a multiprotein complex with RPA2 and SPATA22. Interacts with the complex BRME1:HSF2BP:BRCA2 (PubMed:32345962). Co-localizes with the RPA complex on meiotic chromosome axes. Accumulates on resected DNA. Localization is dependent on SPATA22. Sprecifically expressed in early meiotic germ cells: in adult and fetal tissues, detected in fetal ovary, postnatal testis and liver. In the ovary, expression starts at 12.5 dpc, reaches a maximum at 15.5 dpc and decreases to become undetectable in post natal life. In testis, expression starts at 10 days post partum (dpp), reaches a maximum at 20 dpp and is maintained throughout adult life. Detected only during early meiosis prophase I (early 4N-fraction containing leptotene, zygotene and few pachytenes spermatocytes) and not during later stages of meiosis (at protein level). Mice develop and grow normally but show infertility in both sexes. Infertility is due to a meiotic arrest at a zygotene/pachytene-like stage. DNA double strand break repair and homologous chromosome synapsis are impaired in meiocytes. Belongs to the MEIOB family. Truncated N-terminus. Truncated N-terminus. Truncated N-terminus.