Oocyte-specific protein that localizes to centromeres at the dictyate stage and regulates the survival of primordial oocytes. Localized to the synaptonemal complex lateral elements in late diplotene oocytes, while it is absent on the synaptonemal complex of leptotene, zygotene, pachytene and early diplotene oocytes. Localizes to centromeres in dictyate oocytes (By similarity). Detected in nuclear granules and sizable aggregates (By similarity). Localized in a cage-like cortical structure around the entire nucleolus, consisting of a meshwork of patches and filaments. Expressed in immature oocytes (at protein level). Expressed in the ovary. Expressed in oocytes throughout oogenesis. Undetectable in eggs and during early embryonic stages up to the tailbud stage (at protein level). Expressed during early embryonic stages beyond stage 8 (mid-blastula transition; MBT). Ubiquitinated and gradually degraded by the proteasome during oocyte maturation. Phosphorylated in maturing oocytes, before its degradation. Belongs to the SYCP2 family.