USP38 and hepatocellular carcinoma: ILF3 disrupted the interaction between USP38 and HMGCL, thereby enhancing HMGCL ubiquitination and accelerating its degradation.<h4>Conclusion</h4>ILF3 promotes the proliferation and metastasis of HCC by enhancing the ubiquitination of HMGCL by interfering with the interaction between the deubiquitinase USP38 and HMGCL.