External datasets validation confirmed significant downregulation of GRM8 and ESR1 in GERD patients (Figures 7B, C), and in IPF patients, GRM8 was significantly downregulated (p = 0.0005), and ESR1 was significantly upregulated (p = 0.0397) (Figures 7E, F). Here, GRM8 is linked to gastroesophageal reflux disease.