The significant association of constipation, diarrhea, abdominal pain, GERD and bloating respectively with anti-ATA, anti-NOR90, anti-Ku anti-PM-Scl75, anti-RP 155, anti-fibrillarin and anti-Th/To suggests that these autoantibodies influence the symptom manifestations. The gene discussed is ATM; the disease is gastroesophageal reflux disease.