Jeanmarie Verchot

Professional Summary

My research addresses fundamental molecular mechanisms underlying virus-host interactions in order to discover new genetic mechanisms controlling virus infection that can be used in novel strategies to control disease. We partner with breeders and stakeholders to identify critical agricultural problems caused by viruses to develop technologies to advance strategies for germplasm improvement. These are current projects in my laboratory:

1. ER stress and UPR functions in potexvirus infection in the model host Arabidopsis:
Our research identified membrane associated signaling pathways that serve to limit plant
virus infection, independent of classical R-gene mediated defenses or gene silencing.
2. Rose rosette virus (RRV) infection in roses: RRV has been devastating roses and the rose
industry in the USA causing millions of dollars in losses. The overall objective is to rapidly
assess the resistance of rose germplasm to RRD under greenhouse conditions by combining
mechanical inoculation with infectious clone technology.
3. Virus-host transcriptome studies: we are performing hypothesis driven investigations into
how viruses reprogram host gene expression as an underlying cause of disease. This work
involves computational approaches as well as laboratory and greenhouse studies.
4. Tomato spotted wilt virus: We are developing infectious clone technology
5. Viroid infection of hemp: Working with industry partners to identify sources of genetic
resistance to HLVd, develop early diagnostic detection methods, and to enhance the
information pipeline.

National Service

2025- Editorial Board Journal of Virology

2022-Present Senior Editor MDPI-Viruses

2015-2021 Senior Editor for Molecular Plant Pathology Journal

2017-2020 Councilor for Plant Virology to the American Society of Virorology