In silico analysis of databases with clinical parameters and transcriptome data of HCC patients (TCGA) revealed that CCNE1, but not CDK2, is highly expressed in human HCCs compared to livers of non-tumorous individuals regardless of risk factors, such as hepatitis virus infections, alcoholic or non-alcoholic liver disease, demonstrating the diagnostic value of CCNE1 mRNA levels. Here, CCNE1 is linked to hepatocellular carcinoma.