RPL11 promotes non-small cell lung cancer cell proliferation by regulating endoplasmic reticulum stress and cell autophagy

BACKGROUND: Abnormal biogenesis and ribosome free function of ribosomal proteins (RPs) is important for tumorgenesis and development. Ribosomal protein L11 (RPL11) is a component of ribosomal 60 S large subunit with different roles in different cancers. Here, we aimed to unravel the role of RPL11 in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), especially those affecting cell proliferation. METHODS: RPL11 expression in NCI-H1650, NCI-H1299, A549 and HCC827 and normal lung bronchial epithelial cells HBE was detected using western blotting. The function of RPL11 in NSCLC cells were determined by investigating cell viablity, colony formation and cell migration. Mechanism expoloration of RPL11 effect on NSCLC cells proliferation was explored using flow cytometry, and the effect on autophagy was investigated by the additon of autophagy inhibitor chloroquine (CQ) and endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS) inhibitor tauroursodeoxycholic acid (TUDCA). RESULTS: RPL11 was highly expressed in NSCLC cells. Extopic expression of RPL11 promoted NCI-H1299 and A549 cells proliferation, and migration, and promoted the transition from the G1 phase to the S phase of the cell cycle. Small RNA interference of RPL11 (siRNA) suppressed NCI-H1299 and A549 cells proliferation and migration and arrested the cell cycle in G0/G1 phase. Moreover, RPL11 promoted NSCLC cell proliferation by modulating autophagy and ERS. Expression levels of autophagy and ERS markers were induced by RPL11 overexpression and inhibited by siRPL11. CQ partially suppressed RPL11-induced A549 and NCI-H1299 proliferation: CQ addition reduced RPL11-induced cells viability and clone numbers and reversed the cell cycle process. ERS inhibitor (TUDCA) partially reversed RPL11-induced autophagy. CONCLUSION: Taken together, RPL11 has a tumor-promoting role in NSCLC. It promotes the cell proliferation of NSCLC cells by regulating ERS and autophagy. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12860-023-00469-2.