Plays an important role in the loading of the cohesin complex on to DNA. Plays a role in sister chromatid cohesion and normal progression through prometaphase. Interacts with nipbl to form the cohesin loading complex. Binds to chromatin from the end of mitosis until prophase. Early embryos exhibit numerous developmental defects including shortening of the A-P axis, ventralization, and defects in neural, somite, head, eye, and tail development. Belongs to the SCC4/mau-2 family.