Involved in nucleolar processing of pre-18S ribosomal RNA. Has a role in bud site selection maybe via the regulation of expression of bipolar budding components. Interacts with snoRNA U3. Interacts with MPP10. Component of the ribosomal small subunit (SSU) processome composed of at least 40 protein subunits and snoRNA U3. Present with 2120 molecules/cell in log phase SD medium. Belongs to the UTP16 family.