Four survival-associated genes (RGS5, SULT1C2, ACSM3, CXCL14) and ten hub genes (CCNB2, CDC25C, NEK2, CDCA5, CDK1, PPP1CA, PPP1CC, PPP1CB, CAMK2B, CDC20) consistently emerged as key drivers of LC progression. The gene discussed is NEK2; the disease is laryngotracheoesophageal cleft.