AKT1 and sarcoidosis: While these associations are novel, multiple target genes of these miRNAs have been implicated in sarcoidosis previously, including the genes AKT1, CD44, JAG1, and PTGS2. For example, CD44 has been found in areas of granuloma formation and fibrosis [40] and is differentially expressed between Lofgren syndrome versus non-Lofgren syndrome subjects [41].