top of page
2022-03-12-Connexin43-hivslo stiff-Hi Mag_Histiff 4_Processed001.tif

The Norris Lab

Advancing the cycle of discovery

Dr. Russell "Chip" Norris, PhD
Principal Investigator

Dr. Norris has 25 years of experience understanding the genetic and developmental causes of syndromic and non-syndromic cardiovascular diseases including mitral valve prolapse, aortic stenosis, bicuspid aortic valve diseases and cardiomyopathies. Recently, his lab identified a strong candidate gene for hypermobile Ehlers-­Danlos syndrome (hEDS). Armed with the one of the largest global clinical registry and the first animal model for hEDS, the lab is is working to translate genetic discoveries into diagnostic screens and treatments for children and adult hEDS patients.

Our Current Work

The Norris lab is a multidisciplinary environment with students, technicians, and postdocs using molecular, biochemical and biomechanical tools to understand common and rare connective tissue diseases. 

Anatomical human heart model I_edited_ed

Cardiac Research

Mitral Valve Prolapse, Fibrosis, Valve Development

AdobeStock_292346101.jpeg

EDS Research

Molecular & Mechanical Basis of Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome

pexels-kindel-media-8325755_edited.jpg

Patient Scientist Initative

Developing the next generation of EDS experts

AdobeStock_68033927_edited.jpg

Mouse Model Repository

Advancing understanding of all subtypes of EDS 

In the News

Screen Shot 2023-09-14 at 9.55.01 AM.png

CNN Article Featuring the Norris Lab One of CNN's "Top 100 Digital Stories" for 2022

Chip Norris Main.jpeg

Dr. Norris Named to $8 Million Leducq Grant Initiative Studying Acute Rheumatic Fever (ARF)

Selected Publications

fibrosis trichrome_edited.png

Mitral Valve Prolapse Induces Regionalized Myocardial Fibrosis

Mitral valve prolapse (MVP) is one of the most common forms of cardiac valve disease and affects 2% to 3% of the population. Previous imaging reports have indicated that myocardial fibrosis is common in MVP and described its association with sudden cardiac death. These data combined with evidence for postrepair ventricular dysfunction in surgical patients with MVP support a link between fibrosis and MVP.

Find a complete list of publications by the Norris lab
bottom of page