Major component of the transverse central element of synaptonemal complexes (SCS), formed between homologous chromosomes during meiotic prophase. Requires SYCP1 in order to be incorporated into the central element. May have a role in the synaptonemal complex assembly, stabilization and recombination. Homodimer. Found in a complex with SYCP1 and SYCE2. Interacts with SYCP1, SYCE2 and SYCE3. Interacts with SIX6OS1. 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 SYCE2 in the central elements. The disease is caused by variants affecting the gene represented in this entry. The disease is caused by variants affecting the gene represented in this entry. Belongs to the SYCE family. Truncated N-terminus.