One of the primary rRNA binding proteins, it binds directly to 16S rRNA central domain where it helps coordinate assembly of the platform of the 30S subunit. Protein S8 is a translational repressor protein, it controls the translation of the spc operon by binding to its mRNA. Part of the 30S ribosomal subunit (PubMed:365698, PubMed:10094780, PubMed:12809609, PubMed:16272117, PubMed:27934701, PubMed:12244297, PubMed:27906160, PubMed:27906161, PubMed:28077875). Contacts proteins S5 and S12 (By similarity). Belongs to the universal ribosomal protein uS8 family.