Proliferation of MetALD-HCC spheroids containing DHCR7-knocked down HepG2 cells was significantly suppressed, as shown by reduced spheroid volume (Fig. 6K) and downregulation of cell proliferation markers, PCNA, CCND1, and CCNE1 (Fig. 6K and L). This evidence concerns the gene CCNE1 and hepatocellular carcinoma.