Meiosis-specific protein required for homologous recombination in meiosis I. Component of a multiprotein complex with MEIOB and RPA2 (PubMed:24240703). Interacts with the complex BRME1:HSF2BP:BRCA2 (PubMed:32345962). Localizes on meiotic chromosome axes. Accumulates on resected DNA. Localization is dependent on MEIOB. Specifically expressed in gonadal germ cells, when male and female germ cells progress through prophase of meiosis I. In testis, weakly present from 8 dpp, and readily detectable from 10 dpp, with expression sustained through adulthood. Present in all populations of spermatocytes (at protein level). Mice develop and grow normally but show infertility in both sexes. Gametogenesis is affected with germ cells that do not progress beyond early meiotic prophase, with subsequent germ cell loss in both males and females.