SYCP3 is an essential structural component of the synaptonemal complex. This complex is involved in synapsis,recombination and segregation of meiotic chromosomes. SYCP3 is required for centromere pairing during meiosis in male germ cells. SYCP3 is also required for normal meiosis during spermatogenesis and male fertility. Mutations in SYCP3 are associated with azoospermia in males and susceptibility to pregnancy loss in females.