To provide a method for controlling the proliferation of carcinoma cells through a paternally expressed gene 10 (PEG10).

The PEG10 protein is proved to inhibit apoptosis and promote the proliferation of the carcinoma cells. The PEG10 protein is found to be degraded through interaction with an SIAH1 protein. The method for controlling the cell proliferation and apoptosis through the PEG10 protein is provided. Furthermore, a new method for screening an anticancer agent utilizes the PEG10 protein. The induction of the apoptosis with the carcinoma cells as a specific target can be carried out by the screening to develop a drug inhibiting the cell proliferation. Since the PEG10 protein is specifically expressed in hepatomatous cells, the PEG10 protein is an ideal target molecule for diagnosis and treatment of hepatocarcinoma.