Fig. 8: Ectopic overexpression of MRPL17 correlates causes enhanced NSCLC cellular phenotype and augmented mitochondrial functions.

Analysis performed in primary NSCLC cells (pNSCLC-1) comparing empty vector control (Vec) or two independent stable cell colonies overexpressing MRPL17 (oeMRPL17-Sl1, oeMRPL17-Sl2). Validation included qRT-PCR analysis of MRPL17 and MRPL12 mRNA transcript levels (A) and Western blot assessment of MRPL17 and MRPL12 protein abundance (B). Functional characterization encompassed assessment of cellular proliferation via nuclear EdU incorporation assays (C), evaluation of cell migration (D) and invasion (E) capacities using Transwell assays, examination of apoptosis via nuclear TUNEL staining assay (F), and determination of overall cell death rates via Trypan blue staining assay (G). Mitochondrial activity assessment involved measurement of Complex I enzymatic activity (H) and quantification of total cellular ATP content (I). Analysis was extended to additional primary NSCLC isolates (pNSCLC-2, pNSCLC-3) and the A549 cell line (Vec vs oeMRPL17), including qRT-PCR validation of MRPL17 (J) and MRPL12 (K) mRNA levels, assessment of cellular proliferation via EdU assay (L), determination of cell migration via Transwell assay (M), measurement of Complex I activity (N), and quantification of total cellular ATP levels (O). All quantitative data are presented as mean ± standard deviation (SD) from five independent experiments (n = 5). Asterisks indicate statistical significance (*P < 0.05) relative to the Vec group. “N.S.” stands for non-statistical difference. Scale bars represent 100 µm.