Synaptonemal complex protein 3 is a protein that in humans is encoded by the SYCP3 gene.

This gene encodes an essential structural component of the synaptonemal complex. This complex is involved in synapsis, recombination and segregation of meiotic chromosomes. Mutations in this gene are associated with azoospermia in males and susceptibility to pregnancy loss in females. Alternate splicing results in multiple transcript variants that encode the same protein. [provided by RefSeq, May 2010].
Function: Component of the transverse filaments of synaptonemal complexes (SCS), formed between homologous chromosomes during meiotic prophase. Has an essential meiotic function in spermatogenesis. May be important for testis development.