Although several studies have revealed signaling pathways as well as genes potentially involved in the development of esophageal atresia (EA), our understanding of the pathophysiology of EA lags behind improvements in the surgical and clinical care of patients born with this anomaly. However, a causative genetic abnormality can be identified in less than 10% of patients, even using more recent next-generation sequencing techniques. As most cases of EA associated with tracheoesophageal fistula (TOF) are sporadic, and the familial recurrence rate is low (1%), this suggests that epigenetic and environmental factors also contribute to the disease. Further investigations are needed to better understand the mechanisms underlying EA. That information can come from the oesophageal biopsies that are collected in routine care and long-term storage at the hospital. However, the impact of the length of the storage is still unknown.
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Comparison of the mRNA expression from esophageal biopsies between long and short term storage
Timeframe: The biopsies will be collected during the first year of life
Comparison of the metabolites identification from esophageal biopsies between long and short term storage
Timeframe: The biopsies will be collected during the first year of life