The protein encoded by this gene is expressed in the nucleus and is a subunit of the cohesin complex which regulates the cohesion of sister chromatids during cell division. A mutation in this gene is associated with premature ovarian failure. Alternate splicing results in multiple transcript variants encoding distinct isoforms. This gene has multiple pseudogenes. [provided by RefSeq, Apr 2014],function:Meiosis specific component of cohesin complex. The cohesin complex is required for the cohesion of sister chromatids after DNA replication. The cohesin complex apparently forms a large proteinaceous ring within which sister chromatids can be trapped. At anaphase, the complex is cleaved and dissociates from chromatin, allowing sister chromatids to segregate. The meiosis-specific cohesin complex probably replaces mitosis specific cohesin complex when it dissociates from chromatin during prophase I.,similarity:Belongs to the SCC3 family.,similarity:Contains 1 SCD (stromalin conservative) domain.,subcellular location:Associates with chromatin. In prophase I stage of meiosis, it is found along the axial elements of synaptonemal complexes. In late-pachytene-diplotene, the bulk of protein dissociates from the chromosome arms probably because of phosphorylation by PLK, except at centromeres, where cohesin complexes remain. It however remains chromatin associated at the centromeres up to metaphase I. During anaphase I, it probably dissociates from centromeres, allowing chromosomes segregation.,subunit:Component of the meiosis-specific cohesin complex, which also contains the SMC1 (SMC1A or SMC1B) and SMC3 heterodimer. Such complex likely contains RAD21, or the meiosis-specific related protein REC8.,tissue specificity:Testis specific.,