In Huh7.5 hepatoma cells, the expression of proteins synthesizing proline from P5C (PYCR1, PYCR2, PYCR3) prevails over proline-utilizing proteins (PRODH and PRODH2) and the coordinated action of PYCR3, PRODH, and PRODH2 proteins. This evidence concerns the gene PRODH and hepatocellular carcinoma.