USP22 and cancer: MUC1 prevents HIF-1α from degradation and enhances the chemoresiatance between which EGLN2 and NF-κB may play important roles.20 In renal cell carcinoma, DEPDC1 activates the AKT/mTOR/HIF-1α pathway to promote glycolysis and TKI resistance.21 In previous studies, our group proved the importance of HIF-1α in glycolysis and cancer stemness in HCC under hypoxia.9 Additionally, USP22, a ubiquitin- specific protease, could deubiquitinate HIF-1α and enhance the cancer stemness and glycolysis.