HMGCR and nonpapillary renal cell carcinoma: Moreover, since cholesterol metabolism-related intermediates were altered in ccRCC, we evaluated the expression of four genes involved in its biosynthesis, namely, 3-hydroxy-3-methyl-glutaryl-coenzyme A reductase (HMGCR), mevalonate kinase (MVK), squalene epoxidase (SQLE), and sterol regulatory element-binding transcription factor 2 (SREBF2).