Using microRNAs to improve diagnosis and prognosis in sarcoidosis
Official title: MicroRNA as Diagnostic and Prognostic Biomarkers in Sarcoidosis
Funded at Johns Hopkins University · NIH-11124898 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking for tiny molecules in your lung fluid that could help doctors better diagnose and understand sarcoidosis, and if you choose to participate, your samples could help improve care for everyone with this condition.
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 | March 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $182,165 |
| NIH project number | 5K23HL163313-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11124898 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals diagnosed with sarcoidosis, as well as healthy controls and patients with interstitial lung disease for comparison.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with conditions unrelated to sarcoidosis or those who do not have access to the required diagnostic procedures may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on identifying specific microRNAs (miRNAs) that can serve as reliable diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers for sarcoidosis, a complex inflammatory disease. By analyzing bronchoalveolar lavage samples from patients, the study aims to validate previously identified miRNAs and assess their expression levels in relation to clinical characteristics. This genomic approach seeks to enhance the understanding of sarcoidosis and improve patient management through better diagnostics. Patients may be involved in providing samples and data to help validate these biomarkers.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more accurate and timely diagnoses for patients with sarcoidosis, ultimately improving their treatment outcomes.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using miRNAs as biomarkers in other diseases, suggesting potential success for this approach in sarcoidosis.
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.