My research career has focused on the physiology and pathophysiology of the microcirculation, and in recent years, much of our work has been an investigation of the retinal microvascular complications of diabetes and hypertension. Our lab is currently funded with an NIH R01 entitled “Retinal vasculature in hypertension”, and we also have ongoing projects related to other retinal pathologies.

Techniques that we use in the laboratory include intravital microscopy, measurement of microvascular flow, computerized video analysis of microscope images, immunostaining of tissue sections, culturing of retinal microvascular endothelial cells, and various molecular biology techniques and assays.

Below is one of our images of the retinal vasculature (in green) and neuronal nuclei (in red).

Minsup Lee, PhD

Research Associate 
Email: minsup.lee@lsuhs.edu

Wendy Leskova

Zithlaly Amezquita 

Randa Eshaq, PhD

Instructor 
Email: randa.eshaq@lsuhs.edu

Selected Publications

1. Lee M, Leskova W, Eshaq RS, Amezquita Z and Harris NR. Mechanisms of retinal photoreceptor loss in spontaneously hypertensive rats. Experimental Eye Research, Aug 31; 247:110065, 2024.
2. Alvarez IA, Lee M, Eshaq RS, Leskova W and Harris NR. High glucose induces oxidative stress that alters glycocalyx proteoglycan levels in primary rat retinal microvascular endothelial cells and in isolated ophthalmic arteries. Pathophysiology, Feb 6; 31: 89-99, 2024.
3. Eshaq RS, Lee M, Leskova W and Harris NR. Decreased retinal and choroidal endothelial surface molecules in spontaneously hypertensive rats. Experimental Eye Research, Aug 17; 234:109617, 2023.
4. Kaur G and Harris NR. Endothelial glycocalyx in health, hyperglycemia, and diabetic retinopathy. Am J Physiol-Cell, May 1; 324(5): C1061-C1077, 2023. (Review)
5. Kaur G, Leskova W and Harris NR. The endothelial glycocalyx and retinal hemodynamics. Pathophysiology 29: 663-677, 2022.
6. Kaur G, Song Y, Xia K, McCarthy K, Zhang F, Linhardt RJ and Harris NR. Effect of high glucose on glycosaminoglycans in cultured retinal endothelial cells and rat retina. Glycobiology, Jul 13; 32(8): 720-734, 2022.

Complete List of my Published Work in MyBibliography: LEARN MORE
 

Post-doctoral Fellows

While we are not currently recruiting Post-doctoral Fellows, quality candidates will always be considered.  To enquire about opportunities, contact Dr. Harris at norman.harris@lsuhs.edu.

Graduate Students

Graduate students interested in conducting research in the Harris lab should review the current laboratory research directions and contact Dr. Harris at norman.harris@lsuhs.edu.

Undergraduate Research Assistants

We are not currently hiring any additional undergraduates. However, positions can become available during the summer.

Medical Students, Residents, and Fellows

The Harris laboratory has a number of research projects available for any Medical Students, Residents, and Fellows. Those interested should contact Dr. Harris at norman.harris@lsuhs.edu for more information.