Founder & Scientific Leadership
Advancing the genetics of sarcoidosis and other interstitial lung diseases (ILDs) through global collaboration
MESARGEN (Multi-Ethnic Sarcoidosis Genetics Consortium) was founded by Natalia Rivera, a geneticist specializing in the genomics of complex human diseases, particularly interstitial lung diseases such as sarcoidosis, idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, and interstitial lung abnormalities. The consortium was established to address a crucial gap in the field: the need for large-scale, diverse, and integrative genetic studies that can uncover the biological mechanisms underlying sarcoidosis and its clinical variations.
Natalia Rivera developed this concept during her postdoctoral training at the Karolinska Institutet, within the Respiratory Medicine Division of the Department of Medicine in Solna. Under the mentorship of Professors Anders Eklund and Johan Grunewald, along with scientific guidance from Associate Professor Leonid Padyukov, a leading expert in the genetics of autoimmune diseases, the foundation for this international endeavor was laid. Recognizing the urgent need for coordinated international efforts, Natalia Rivera built MESARGEN as a global platform that unites researchers, clinicians, and data resources across Europe and beyond.
Today, the consortium connects leading institutions in Europe, North America, and Asia, facilitating large-scale discovery and translational research. Furthermore, Natalia Rivera continues to lead global initiatives in sarcoidosis genomics, including her active contributions and leadership to Work Package 4 (WP4) of SARCOIDOMICS, an ERS-funded Clinical Research Collaborative Network led by Professors Jacobo Sellares and Paolo Spagnolo.
In March 2026, Natalia Rivera began her role as an adjunct faculty member in the Division of Respiratory Medicine at Johns Hopkins University. She is collaborating with Dr. Michelle Sharp, the Director of the Sarcoidosis Center, as her mentor. Natalia aims to enhance understanding of sarcoidosis genetics across diverse populations throughout the United States, aligning with Dr. Sharp's vision.
Scientific Vision
The vision behind MESARGEN is to move beyond traditional genetic studies and establish a comprehensive, multi-omics framework for understanding sarcoidosis. By integrating genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, and epigenomics, the consortium aims to:
- Identify genetic variants and molecular pathways driving disease susceptibility and progression
- Define biologically meaningful disease endotypes (also referred to as endophenotypes)
- Enable precision medicine approaches tailored to individual patients
- Accelerate the discovery of novel therapeutic targets
This integrative strategy reflects a broader commitment to transforming sarcoidosis research from descriptive studies to mechanism-driven, predictive, and clinically actionable science.
Leadership and Expertise
As Founder and Scientific Lead, Natalia Rivera directs the strategic, scientific, and collaborative efforts of MESARGEN. Their work focuses on leveraging large-scale genetic data and multi-omics integration to uncover disease mechanisms and translate findings into clinical impact.
Key areas of expertise include:
- Genetic epidemiology of complex diseases
- Multi-omics data integration and systems biology
- Disease endotyping and biomarker discovery
- Precision medicine and pharmacogenomics
Natalia Rivera leads and contributes to multiple international initiatives, including large-scale genomic studies and interdisciplinary collaborations with leading academic institutions worldwide.
Driving Impact Beyond Research
A central pillar of MESARGEN is the commitment to communication, collaboration, and advocacy. Under the leadership of Natalia Rivera, the consortium actively promotes:
- Dissemination of research through high-impact publications and scientific forums
- Engagement with clinicians to bridge the gap between research and patient care
- Visibility and awareness of sarcoidosis as a complex and under-recognized disease
- Advocacy for increased research investment and international collaboration
By fostering a strong interface between science, medicine, and society, MESARGEN aims to ensure that discoveries translate into tangible benefits for patients.
Looking Forward
Through visionary leadership and international collaboration, Natalia Rivera continues to drive MESARGEN toward its ultimate goal: to redefine the understanding of sarcoidosis and enable precision medicine approaches that improve patient outcomes worldwide.
Transforming sarcoidosis research through collaboration, innovation, and a relentless focus on patient impact.