In vitro validation further supported this, as CCDC138 knockdown significantly reduced proliferation rates (53.44% vs. 62.90% at 24 h, 84.51% vs. 106.32% at 48 h, 110.26% vs. 150.36% at 72 h; Figure 7C), indicating a direct role in driving tumor cell growth. The gene discussed is CCDC138; the disease is neoplasm.