FSR feels strongly that the causes of this disease, and ultimately a cure, will be uncovered through rigorous and extensive scientific research. FSR research awards focus on collaborations which will advance an improved understanding of sarcoidosis and will address the causes of the disease, the suffering of patients and the potential for a cure for sarcoidosis.  Learn more about FSR's Research Grant Application Process or Donate to support important new research.

Meet Other Researchers Funded by FSR.

Lobelia Samavati, MD
Recipient of 2009-2010 FSR-ATS Partnership Grant for Sarcoidosis & 2009 K.I.S.S. Investigator Award

Dr. Samavati is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Internal Medicine and Pulmonary Critical Care Medicine at Wayne State University. She has extensive experience in both basic and translational research and received a jointly sponsored FSR-ATS $100,000 award for her work investigating the role of specific proteins in sarcoidosis as well as genetic abnormalities associated with this disease.  She was also recognized for her clinical work with the 2009 K.I.S.S. Investigator Award.

Summary: "Role of Intracellular NOD-like Receptors in Sarcoidosis"
Sarcoidosis is a multisystem inflammatory disorder which occurs throughout the world, affects people of all races and ages and whose outcome is difficult to predict. Both environmental and genetic factors appear to play a role in the disease. The human body is constantly exposed to various pathogens like bacterial and viral agents. To defeat these pathogens the body is equipped with cellular sensors, which recognize these pathogens and trigger an immune response. Cytosolic receptors (named NODs) detect bacterial components inside the cells. NOD family members recognize microbial components and upon activation they induce inflammatory pathways against invading pathogens. We think that abnormalities in NOD sensors play an important role in the development of sarcoidosis. This study will determine whether the sensors of patients with sarcoidosis respond differently to bacterial products compared to those of control subjects without sarcoidosis. We will also try to identify variants in the genes for the sensors among sarcoidosis patients, and will attempt to relate these variants to disease outcome. Ultimately, this research will help scientists and clinicians to understand the causes of sarcoidosis, to identify those who are at most risk for developing the disease, and to find effective drug therapies.

K.I.S.S. Investigator Award
Dr. Samavati and her husband embrace the spirit of FSR's FUNdraising event KISS Chicago 2009 by wearing our signature colors:  red, orange and pink!  She was acknowledged at K.I.S.S. for her achievement in basic and clinical research.

In 2007 Dr. Samavati's received an abstract award from FSR for her research focused on treatment of sarcoidosis-associated pulmonary arterial hypertension.