PTCH1 and Esophageal atresia: Additionally, and approximately around the E8.75–E9.0 days, FOXF1 and PTCH1 emerge as the most significant preferentially expressed genes, aligning with FOXF1-mediated mesoderm thickening, septum formation, and tracheoesophageal separation30, processes frequently implicated in esophageal atresia.