USP13 promotes proliferation and angiogenesis of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma cells by promoting MCL-1 expression

Background Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is a diffuse malignant hyperplastic disease of large B-cell lymphoma characterized by high heterogeneous and aggressiveness and has a poor prognosis. Objectives To explore the pathogenesis of DLBCL and identify the effective therapeutic targets. Results The expression of ubiquitin-specific peptidase 13 (USP13) was significantly increased in peripheral blood of children with DLBCL and in DLBCL cells. USP13 overexpression promoted the capacity of proliferation, migration, invasion of DLBCL cells and human umbilical vein endothelial cell (HUVEC) tube formation, while knockdown of USP13 suppressed the proliferation, migration, invasion, and angiogenesis of DLBCL cells. USP13 positively regulated the expression of myeloid cell leukemia 1 (MCL-1) in DLBCL cells. Overexpression of MCL-1 attenuated the inhibition effects of USP13 knockdown on DLBCL cells. Conclusion USP13 modulated DLBCL cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and angiogenesis by promoting MCL-1 expression.