Genes involved in cholesterol biosynthesis, uptake, efflux, and esterification (e.g., 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-CoA reductase, squalene epoxidase, sterol regulatory element binding protein 2, and sterol O-acyltransferase 1) are often upregulated in HCC, leading to increased intracellular cholesterol that supports rapid tumor cell growth and division [98]. This evidence concerns the gene SOAT1 and hepatocellular carcinoma.