SMC3, BAM, BMH, CSPG6, SMC3L1, Structural maintenance of chromosomes protein 3, Basement membrane-associated chondroitin proteoglycan, Chondroitin sulfate proteoglycan 6, Chromosome-associated polypeptide

This gene belongs to the SMC3 subfamily of SMC proteins. The encoded protein occurs in certain cell types as either an intracellular, nuclear protein or a secreted protein. The nuclear form, known as structural maintenance of chromosomes 3, is a component of the multimeric cohesin complex that holds together sister chromatids during mitosis, enabling proper chromosome segregation. Post-translational modification of the encoded protein by the addition of chondroitin sulfate chains gives rise to the secreted proteoglycan bamacan, an abundant basement membrane protein.