Ribosomal RNA small subunit methyltransferase NEP1 (EMG1)

S-adenosyl-L-methionine-dependent pseudouridine N(1)- methyltransferase that methylates pseudouridine at position 1248 (Psi1248) in 18S rRNA. Involved the biosynthesis of the hypermodified N1-methyl-N3-(3-amino-3-carboxypropyl) pseudouridine (m1acp3-Psi) conserved in eukaryotic 18S rRNA.

Is unable to methylate uridine at this position (PubMed:20047967). Has also an essential part in 40S ribosomal subunit biogenesis independent on its methyltransferase activity, facilitating the incorporation of ribosomal protein S19 through the formation of pre-ribosomes (By similarity).