Part of the small subunit (SSU) processome, first precursor of the small eukaryotic ribosomal subunit. During the assembly of the SSU processome in the nucleolus, many ribosome biogenesis factors, an RNA chaperone and ribosomal proteins associate with the nascent pre-rRNA and work in concert to generate RNA folding, modifications, rearrangements and cleavage as well as targeted degradation of pre-ribosomal RNA by the RNA exosome. Involved in the nucleolar processing of SSU 18S rRNA (, ). Involved in T-cell activation and highly coregulated with IL2 .
Subcellular locations: Nucleus, Nucleolus
Expressed in heart, placenta, liver, skeletal muscle, kidney and pancreas. In ocular tissues, strong expression in iris, sclera, ciliary muscle, ciliary body, retina and optic nerve.