Finding new ways to diagnose and predict sarcoidosis
Official title: MicroRNA as Diagnostic and Prognostic Biomarkers in Sarcoidosis
Funded at Johns Hopkins University · NIH-11271363 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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 start | May 5, 2023 |
| Project end | June 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $74,670 |
| NIH project number | 3K23HL163313-03S1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11271363 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Patients with sarcoidosis, healthy volunteers, and individuals with other interstitial lung diseases may be suitable for participation, likely involving lung fluid samples.
✕Less likely to help
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.
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.
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 gone: 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
-
Johns Hopkins University
Baltimore, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lin, Nancy Weijiun — Johns Hopkins University
- Study coordinator: Lin, Nancy Weijiun
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Integrative metabolomics to improve sarcoidosis diagnosis and prognosis
A research project from UCLA aims to find blood-based biomarkers that help diagnose sarcoidosis earlier and predict how it will progress, especially in African American women.
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Predicting Lung Health in Sarcoidosis with Vitamin D Metabolism
Aging individuals with sarcoidosis, especially Black/African American women, may benefit from a clearer plan that uses vitamin D biology to predict and improve lung health.
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Understanding how inflammation and scarring develop in pulmonary sarcoidosis
A doctor-scientist is studying why some people with sarcoidosis develop dangerous lung scarring and how to prevent it.
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Peptide-based Diagnostic Test for Sarcoidosis
A new test using peptide-based ELISA is being developed to diagnose sarcoidosis, potentially reducing the need for invasive lung biopsies.
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Molecular markers of progressive pulmonary sarcoidosis
This grant looks at proteins and genes in people with sarcoidosis to find early signs that the disease will worsen from the lungs.
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Advanced imaging to monitor immune-suppressant therapy in active cardiac sarcoidosis
A patient-focused imaging study to see how MRI and PET 18F-FDG can track how well immune-suppressant treatment is working for active cardiac sarcoidosis.
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.