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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.

Meet the Lab

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

EDS Research

Molecular & Mechanical Basis of Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome

Patient Scientist Initative

Developing the next generation of EDS experts

Mouse Model Repository

Advancing understanding of all subtypes of EDS

In the News

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

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

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Reader's Digest Includes Dr. Gensemer in "3 Women with EDS who are shaping the future"

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Selected Publications

Phenotypic Clusters and Multimorbidity in Hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome

A retrospective clinical study using a large registry of patients with hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (hEDS) provides comprehensive data sets on phenotypic presentation and comorbidity prevalence in patients with hEDS, highlighting factors often overlooked in diagnosis. The identification of distinct patient groups emphasizes variations in hEDS manifestations beyond current guidelines and emphasizes the necessity of comprehensive multidisciplinary care for those with hEDS

Find a complete list of publications by the Norris lab

PubMed