MRPL23 and squamous cell lung carcinoma: These findings were validated in the TCGA cohort, where high MRPL23 mRNA expression correlated with worse overall survival (HR 1.46, 95% CI 1.17-1.83, p < 0.01).<h4>Discussion</h4>MRPL23 overexpression, particularly in lung squamous cell carcinoma, is associated with poor prognosis and may serve as an independent prognostic factor in NSCLC.