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 (PubMed:34516797). Participates in the 18S rRNA processing in growing oocytes, being essential for oocyte nonsurrounded nucleolus (NSN) to surrounded nucleolus (SN) transition (PubMed:30283081). {ECO:0000269|PubMed:30283081, ECO:0000269|PubMed:34516797}. Substrate-recognition component of a DCX (DDB1-CUL4-X-box) E3 ubiquitin-protein ligase complex that plays a key role in embryo preimplantation and is required for normal meiotic cycle progression in oocytes (PubMed:16949367, PubMed:30111536, PubMed:31492966). Acts as a maternal factor that regulates oocyte and zygotic chromatin tightness during maternal to zygotic transition (By similarity). Also involved in the transformation of the endometrium into the decidua, known as decidualization, providing a solid foundation for implantation of blastocysts (PubMed:35932979). Recognizes the histone methyltransferases SUV39H1 and SUV39H2 and directs them to polyubiquitination and proteasomal degradation, which facilitates the H3K9me3 removal and early zygotic gene expression, essential steps for progressive genome reprogramming and the establishment of pluripotency during preimplantation embryonic development (PubMed:30111536). Supports the spindle assembly and chromosome condensation during oocyte meiotic division by targeting the polyubiquitination and degradation of PTEN, a lipid phosphatase that inhibits PI3K pathway as well as oocyte growth and maturation (PubMed:31492966). Targets PMP22 for polyubiquitination and proteasomal degradation (By similarity). {ECO:0000250|UniProtKB:Q6PAC3, ECO:0000269|PubMed:16949367, ECO:0000269|PubMed:30111536, ECO:0000269|PubMed:31492966, ECO:0000269|PubMed:35932979}. This is the function of DCAF13 (DDB1 and CUL4 associated factor 13, Ensembl gene identifier ENSG00000164934).