Natalia Rivera

In my role as Team Leader and Associate Professor of Medical Genetics in the Department of Medicine Solna, I focus on research dedicated to enhancing our understanding of the genetics and epigenetics of immune-mediated diseases, with a particular emphasis on sarcoidosis and rheumatoid arthritis. My work aims to contribute to the development of innovative strategies for prevention and treatment, ultimately improving patient outcomes in these conditions.

By delving into the complex world of genomics in autoimmune diseases, my work contributes significantly to the broader aspirations of Precision Medicine. I am also committed to fostering collaboration and mentorship, ensuring that our research efforts translate into impactful solutions for patients.

As the founder and lead principal investigator of the MESARGEN consortium, I have created an international framework dedicated to conducting large-scale genomic studies on sarcoidosis. My goal is to provide a comprehensive understanding of sarcoidosis by examining its diverse manifestations across different population ancestries. This expansive and in-depth approach enhances the significance of our research and contributes to advancing knowledge in the field.

I had the honor of serving as the Chair for the 2023 World Association of Sarcoidosis and Other Granulomatous Disorders (WASOG) conference, an experience that filled me with pride. This congress successfully integrated both clinical and translational perspectives under the theme 'Big Data—Advancing Precision Medicine in Interstitial Lung Diseases (ILDs).' We welcomed over 350 participants from 45 countries, fostering a rich exchange of ideas and collaboration that will undoubtedly propel the field forward.

My research focus:

• Uncovering the molecular disease mechanisms in sarcoidosis and rheumatoid arthritis
• Integration of high-throughput molecular data for genomic signature discovery
• Biomarker discovery

My research does not adhere to traditional methods. Instead, I employ human genetics and cutting-edge computational techniques to adopt an innovative research approach. This forward-thinking strategy not only allows us to explore new avenues but also holds the potential to revolutionize our understanding of these complex diseases.

Our team's efforts center on big data and data-driven investigations, harnessing the power of vast datasets to shed light on disease pathogenesis and identify disease biomarkers and potential therapeutic targets, such as specific genes or pathways that can be targeted for drug applications.

The MESARGEN consortium is a pioneering international network that aims to revolutionize the genomics field of sarcoidosis globally. Its mission is to amass extensive sample sizes and ensure population ancestry diversity, addressing the research gaps in sarcoidosis studies. The collective clinical, molecular, and computational expertise in MESARGEN elevates the research's robustness, paving the way for more accurate identification of molecular targets and realistic gene-based therapies. 

Current doctoral courses:

• Director and lecturer of doctoral course (no. 5308) - Fundamental of Statistical Genetics and Data Visualization, every Spring term

Past doctoral courses:

• Lecturer of doctoral course (no. 3145) Pulmonary inflammation, Spring 2019
• Lecturer of doctoral course (no. 3044) Basic Bioinformatics, Spring 2018 and 2019