Major component of the transverse central element of synaptonemal complexes (SCS), formed between homologous chromosomes during meiotic prophase (PubMed:15944401). Requires SYCP1 in order to be incorporated into the central element (PubMed:15944401, PubMed:16968740). May have a role in the synaptonemal complex assembly, stabilization and recombination (PubMed:15944401). Homodimer (PubMed:15944401). Found in a complex with SYCP1 and SYCE1 (PubMed:15944401). Interacts with SYCP1 and SYCE1 (PubMed:15944401). Interacts with SYCE3 (PubMed:21637789). Interacts with TEX12 (PubMed:16968740). Associates with chromatin. In prophase I stage of meiosis, localizes in the transverse central elements of the central region between lateral elements of the synaptonemal complexes. Found only where the chromosome cores are synapsed. Colocalizes with SYCE1 in the central elements. Meiotic cells (at protein level). Expressed in the ovary and testis. Expressed in ovary, embryo, spleen, thymus, brain, kidney, epididymis, heart and liver at 14 dpc and in oocytes at 18 dpc. Belongs to the SYCE family.