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m6A-Mediated Stabilization of MRPS23 Drives NSCLC Progression Via HSPA8 and ERK Signaling Modulation
Sihong Le1, Yitao Le2, Xianshen Sha3
1Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China.
Cancer Science
|August 13, 2026
Summary
Mitochondrial ribosomal protein S23 (MRPS23) drives non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) progression. N6-methyladenosine (m6A) modification stabilizes MRPS23, promoting tumor growth via the HSPA8/ERK pathway, offering new therapeutic targets.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Epigenetics
Background:
- Lung cancer is a leading cause of cancer mortality globally.
- Therapeutic resistance and tumor progression are key challenges in lung cancer treatment.
- Mitochondrial ribosomal proteins (MRPs) and N6-methyladenosine (m6A) modification are implicated in cancer, but their roles in lung cancer are not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of MRPS23 in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).
- To explore the regulatory mechanism of MRPS23 by m6A modification.
- To elucidate the downstream signaling pathway of MRPS23 in NSCLC.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of MRPS23 expression in NSCLC tissues and cell lines.
- Investigation of m6A modification on MRPS23 mRNA stability using WTAP and IGF2BP3.
- In vitro and in vivo functional assays to assess MRPS23's role in tumor progression.
- Co-immunoprecipitation to study the interaction between MRPS23 and HSPA8.
- Western blotting to analyze the RAS-RAF-MEK-ERK signaling pathway.
Main Results:
- MRPS23 was significantly upregulated in NSCLC and correlated with poor prognosis.
- WTAP-mediated m6A methylation and IGF2BP3 stabilized MRPS23 mRNA.
- MRPS23 promoted NSCLC progression in vitro and in vivo.
- MRPS23 interacted with HSPA8, activating the RAS-RAF-MEK-ERK signaling cascade.
Conclusions:
- MRPS23 is a critical oncogenic driver in NSCLC.
- A novel m6A-dependent regulatory axis (m6A/IGF2BP3/MRPS23/HSPA8/ERK) promotes NSCLC progression.
- MRPS23 and its related components are potential prognostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets for NSCLC.
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