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. Its dissociation from the complex determines the transition from state pre-A1 to state pre-A1* (PubMed:34516797). Inhibits mRNA translation in a cytoplasmic polyadenylation element (CPE)-dependent manner (By similarity). . This is the function of NGDN (neuroguidin, ENSG00000129460).