Verma Lab

Mission

Investigating the molecular mechanisms of viral replication in human herpesviruses and human coronaviruses (SARS-CoV-2) using classical virology and advanced research technologies.

Key areas of focus

  • Studying the mechanisms of viral replication with a special emphasis on human herpesviruses and human coronavirus.
  • Using state-of-the-art technologies to understand the role of viral and cellular proteins in viral latency and reactivation, important for viral pathogenesis.
  • Investigating the replication mechanism of SARS-CoV-2 and other important viral pathogens to screen and develop antivirals.
  • Exploring the impact of SARS-CoV-2 on herpesvirus biology.

Lab team

Subhash Verma, Ph.D., is a Professor of Microbiology and Immunology interested in uncovering the molecular mechanisms through which human viruses cause acute and chronic diseases. At the Verma Lab, a multidisciplinary approach that combines classical virology with innovative technologies is used to investigate a variety of medically significant viruses, including human herpesviruses, Zika virus (ZIKV), and human coronaviruses. The lab's overarching goal is to elucidate the genetic and epigenetic drivers of viral replication and pathogenesis, paving the way for the development of targeted antiviral therapies.

  • Subhash Verma, Ph.D.: Principal Investigator

Notable research findings

  • Significant advancements in unraveling the complex interactions between viral infections, with a primary focus on herpesviruses and coronaviruses.
  • Recent research underscores how latent herpesvirus infections, such as human cytomegalovirus (HCMV), can be reactivated under cellular stress triggered by SARS-CoV-2, potentially exacerbating severe disease outcomes.
  • Genomic surveillance of SARS-CoV-2 variants in Nevada played a pivotal role in monitoring viral evolution, reinfections and assessing the efficacy of serum and antibody neutralization.
  • Elucidated the critical roles of genetic elements, such as G-quadruplexes, and epigenetic factors in regulating KSHV latency and reactivation, critical for viral pathogenesis.

Equipment, technology and techniques

  • High resolution visualization of replicated DNA (SMARD)
  • Next-generation sequencing (NGS) for chromatin analysis
  • Recombineering technique for assessing viral gene functions
  • Proteomics Analysis for In-depth analysis of host–virus protein interactions
  • Virus neutralization assays to study immune responses to BSL-2 and BSL-3 pathogens.

Active grants and research projects

  1. A Plug and Play DOE Approach for Emerging Threats: Taskforce 5.
    • Award: DE-AC02-05CH11231
    • Funding organization: Department of Energy (DOE) - Emerging Threats