Evilevitch laboratory in Virus Biophysics focuses on key physical mechanisms for infectivity and replication of double-stranded DNA viruses. Experimental model systems used in the group are dsDNA bacteriophages and human herpes viruses (e.g. HSV-1). We are specifically interested in physical mechanisms of DNA packaging and ejection from viral capsids, viral packaging motors, DNA structural transitions inside the capsids associated with infection, viral DNA ejection dynamics, assembly and mechanical stability of viral capsids, effects of molecular crowding on viral DNA ejection and viral replication in vivo, viral DNA condensation. The current research direction is centered around group’s discovery of high internal DNA pressure inside human Herpesvirus capsids. This DNA pressure reaches tens of atmospheres! The internal genome pressure is generated by strong repulsive interactions between tightly packaged, negatively charged DNA strands as well as DNA bending energy. This mechanical DNA pressure is responsible for initiation of viral infection. Also central to our laboratory is the direct link between virus biophysics and molecular genetics. The ability to selectively modify viral genes of interest allows identification of specific protein domains required for DNA encapsidation and retention during capsid assembly and viral capsid maturation. We have the unique capability to perform both single molecule and bulk measurements on viruses under controlled solution conditions. The main techniques are atomic force microscopy, ultra-sensitive microcalorimetry, fluorescence microscopy, light scattering, solution X-ray (SAXS) and neutron scattering (SANS).
