Centromeric protein that plays a central role in the incorporation and maintenance of histone H3-like variant CENPA at centromeres. Acts as a specific chaperone for CENPA and is required for the incorporation of newly synthesized CENPA molecules into nucleosomes at replicated centromeres. Prevents CENPA-H4 tetramerization and prevents premature DNA binding by the CENPA-H4 tetramer. Directly binds Holliday junctions.
Subcellular locations: Nucleus, Nucleolus, Chromosome, Centromere
Localizes in centromeres during late telophase and early G1, when CENPA nucleosomes are assembled. Localizes to nucleolus during S phase, nucleolus site being often related to storage.
According to , highly expressed in the thymus with lower levels in the placenta, small intestine, liver, skeletal muscle, and colon. According to , highly expressed in testis, and at a relatively lower level in thymus and bone marrow. Significantly overexpressed in many lung cancer samples, compared with normal lung.