# MicroRNA as Diagnostic and Prognostic Biomarkers in Sarcoidosis

> **NIH NIH K23** · JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY · 2024 · $182,165

## Abstract

PROJECT SUMMARY / ABSTRACT
Sarcoidosis is a multi-organ, immune-mediated inflammatory disease with a highly variable clinical presentation
and disease course. Additionally, the mortality rate from sarcoidosis appears to be rising over the past decades.
A significant challenge in the management of sarcoidosis is the lack of reliable diagnostic and prognostic
biomarkers. The objective of this project is to define microRNAs (miRNAs) that can be used as diagnostic
biomarkers and to associate miRNA expression with clinical characteristics in sarcoidosis for the development
of prognostic biomarkers.
A genomic approach to biomarker development is well suited for complex, polygenetic diseases such as
sarcoidosis and will be the focus of this project. miRNAs have significant potential as biomarkers in sarcoidosis
given their role as epigenetic modifiers and immune response regulators. Prior to this grant, we performed
miRNA sequencing on bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) cell samples in a discovery cohort comprised of sarcoidosis
cases and healthy controls; this process identified 7 differentially expressed miRNAs, which we will use in all the
aims of this current proposal. In Aim 1, we will validate the 7 differentially expressed miRNAs in a validation
cohort comprised of cases, healthy controls, and interstitial lung disease controls. The miRNAs that are validated
will then be tested as a diagnostic biomarker for sarcoidosis. In Aim 2, we determine if the expression levels of
the 7 differentially expressed miRNAs at the time of BAL reflect clinical manifestations of sarcoidosis. We will
also determine if the miRNA expression levels at the time of BAL can predict changes in clinical manifestations
over two years. Finally, in Aim 3, we will characterize the stability of the 7 differentially expressed miRNAs over
two years in a subset of sarcoidosis cases. This finding, along with the results from Aim 2, will help in the
development of prognostic biomarkers in a future grant.
This proposal will provide a strong foundation for Dr. Lin’s long-term goal of becoming an independently funded
physician-scientist in the field of translational sarcoidosis and environmental/occupational pulmonary research.
Specifically, this proposal will continue to build her expertise in genomic biomarker development, longitudinal
study design, and statistical analyses specific to sarcoidosis research. This proposal will also generate
preliminary data for her future R01 grant submissions.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 11045293
- **Project number:** 7K23HL163313-02
- **Recipient organization:** JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY
- **Principal Investigator:** Nancy Weijiun Lin
- **Activity code:** K23 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2024
- **Award amount:** $182,165
- **Award type:** 7
- **Project period:** 2023-05-05 → 2028-03-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/11045293

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 11045293, MicroRNA as Diagnostic and Prognostic Biomarkers in Sarcoidosis (7K23HL163313-02). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-22 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/11045293. Licensed CC0.

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