Function
Essential protein (PubMed:21401745). S-adenosyl-L-methionine-dependent methyltransferase that specifically methylates the N(7) position of a guanine in 18S rRNA. Requires the methyltransferase adapter protein TRM112 for full rRNA methyltransferase activity. Important for biogenesis end export of the 40S ribosomal subunit independent on its methyltransferase activity (By similarity). Involved in the pre-rRNA processing steps in the nucleolus leading to small-subunit rRNA production independently of its RNA-modifying catalytic activity. Supports cell proliferation (PubMed:21401745). Required for the initiation of lateral root primordia formation and for the root apical meristem (RAM) organization as well as for leaves development (PubMed:14522871). During callus formation from hypocotyl and root explants, required for the initial stage of reactivation of cell proliferation in the hypocotyl stele (PubMed:21401745). Involved in leaf polarity establishment by functioning cooperatively with AS2 to repress abaxial genes ARF3, ARF4, KAN1, KAN2, YAB1 and YAB5, and the knox homeobox genes KNAT1, KNAT2, KNAT6, and STM to promote adaxial development in leaf primordia at shoot apical meristems at high temperatures (PubMed:27334696).