Laboratory of VIROLOGY
The Laboratory of Virology carries out research on viral diseases and how to control them. Τhis latter part is achieved through timely diagnosis, and through the development of preventive strategies based on an advanced knowledge of biological and molecular characteristics of viruses. Besides the research work performed as part of national and international projects, the Laboratory of Virology participates in all the services provided by the Institute that are relevant to its expertise and responsibilities (virus diagnosis in infected plants, phytosanitary control, quarantine virus inspections). The Laboratory also undertakes contracted work for private sector partners, performing analyses for virus detection.
The current research fields of the Laboratory of Virology include:
- Identification and characterization and of newly emerged viruses (Parietaria mottle virus, PMoV) or virus isolates (Citrus tristeza virus, CTV isolates from Poros island) with biological (inoculation of indicator-plants), immunological (ELISA, Western Blotting immunoprinting) and molecular methods (PCR-RFLP, cloning, nucleotide sequencing and phylogenetic analysis).
- Development and optimisation of methods of rapid molecular detection of viruses and viroids (RT-PCR, multiplex qRT- PCR).
- Investigation of virus pathogenicity and plant defence mechanisms. Study at the molecular level of viral pathogenicity and host selection determinants. Study of the role of RNA silencing key-proteins on the infectivity of different types of viruses.
- Investigation of the antiviral activity of chemical compounds which are elicitors of natural plant defence mechanisms.
Scientific laboratory staff
Christina Varveri, PhD, Research Director, Head of the Laboratory
Nikon Vassilakos, PhD, Research Director
Despoina Beri, PhD, Biologist, Associate Researcher
Ioanna Malandraki, MSc, PhD, Agronomist, Scientist
Angeliki-Vasiliki-Maria Galeou, MSc, PhD, Agronomist
Maria Kaponi, PhD, Agronomist
Konstantinos J. Kotsaridis, PhD, Biologist
Aggeliki Rampou, MSc, Agronomist
Venetia Psarra, Agronomist
Oxana Kektsidou, Agronomist Technologist