Differential transcriptomics in sarcoidosis lung and lymph node granulomas with comparisons to pathogen-specific granulomas

Rationale: Despite the availability of multi-“omics” strategies, insights into the etiology and pathogenesis of sarcoidosis have been elusive. This is partly due to the lack of reliable preclinical models and a paucity of validated biomarkers. As granulomas are a key feature of sarcoidosis, we speculate that direct genomic interrogation of sarcoid tissues, may lead to identification of dysregulated gene pathways or biomarker signatures. Objective: To facilitate the development sarcoidosis genomic biomarkers by gene expression profiling of sarcoidosis granulomas in lung and lymph node tissues (most commonly affected organs) and comparison to infectious granulomas (coccidiodomycosis and tuberculosis). Overall design: Transcriptomic profiles of immune-related gene from micro-dissected lungs and mediastinal lymph nodes sarcoidosis granulomas was compared to infectious granulomas. Differentially-expressed genes (DEGs) were profiled, compared among the three granulomatous diseases and analyzed for functional enrichment pathways. Grant ID: CDA22 Grant title: University of Arizona Career Development Funding source: The University of Arizona Grantee: Nancy Casanova Grant ID: NA Grant title: Sarcoidosis Mini-grant Funding source: Foundation for Sarcoidosis Research Grantee: Nancy Casanova