Finding new ways to diagnose and predict sarcoidosis
MicroRNA as Diagnostic and Prognostic Biomarkers in Sarcoidosis
This project aims to discover tiny genetic markers called microRNAs that can help doctors better diagnose sarcoidosis and understand how it might progress.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Johns Hopkins University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Baltimore, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11271363 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Sarcoidosis is a complex inflammatory disease that affects many organs, and it can be hard to predict how it will develop. We are looking for new ways to identify this condition earlier and understand its future course by studying small genetic pieces called microRNAs. Our team previously found seven specific microRNAs in lung fluid samples from people with sarcoidosis and healthy individuals. This project will confirm if these microRNAs are reliable markers by testing them in more people, including those with sarcoidosis, healthy volunteers, and individuals with other lung conditions. If successful, these microRNAs could become important tools for doctors to use.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Patients with sarcoidosis, healthy volunteers, and individuals with other interstitial lung diseases may be suitable for participation, likely involving lung fluid samples.
Not a fit: Patients who do not have sarcoidosis or related lung conditions, or those unwilling to provide biological samples, may not directly benefit from participating in this specific research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new, more accurate tests for diagnosing sarcoidosis and predicting its severity, helping patients receive more personalized care.
How similar studies have performed: While the use of microRNAs as biomarkers is a growing field, this specific combination and validation in sarcoidosis represents a novel approach building on prior preliminary findings.
Where this research is happening
Baltimore, United States
- Johns Hopkins University — Baltimore, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lin, Nancy Weijiun — Johns Hopkins University
- Study coordinator: Lin, Nancy Weijiun
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.