# Vibrio cholerae biofilms: structure, function, regulation and role in infection

> **NIH NIH R01** · UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA SANTA CRUZ · 2021 · $525,179

## Abstract

SUMMARY
Vibrio cholerae causes the disease cholera and is a natural inhabitant of aquatic environments. Seasonal cholera
outbreaks occur where the disease is endemic and can spread worldwide. V. cholerae’s ability to form biofilms,
extracellular matrix-enclosed, surface-associated microbial communities, is crucial for its survival in aquatic
habitats between epidemics and is advantageous for host-to-host transmission during epidemics. The objective
of this proposal is to elucidate the molecular mechanisms of biofilm formation and biofilm-mediated
hyperinfectivity. In Aim 1, we will focus on understanding the mechanisms of V. cholerae biofilm matrix
biogenesis. We recently characterized the V. cholerae biofilm matrix proteome and will determine the role of a
prioritized set of the newly identified proteins in matrix biogenesis and function. We will also specifically analyze
how biofilm biogenesis is impacted by bacterial outer membrane vesicles, which we found to be associated with
the biofilm matrix, and identify the molecular determinants and the consequences of interactions between the
identified exopolysaccharides, proteins, and lipid constituents of the biofilm matrix. In Aim 2, we will determine
the impact of environmental and host surfaces on biofilm formation and biofilm hyperinfectivity. Specifically, we
will determine how newly identified V. cholerae adhesins impact biofilm formation on chitinous surfaces, and
identify the molecular determinants of biofilm formation on chitinous surfaces. To gain insight into biofilm
hyperinfectivity, we will analyze the molecular mechanisms underlying V. cholerae interaction with intestinal
mucin, determine the spatial and temporal colonization dynamics of planktonic versus biofilm-grown cells, and
evaluate the impact of biofilm matrix components on the colonization of the small intestine. A better
understanding of the molecular principles of matrix biogenesis and biofilm hyperinfectivity will allow us to identify
targets for the development of inhibitors of V. cholerae infection and transmission.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10170214
- **Project number:** 5R01AI114261-07
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA SANTA CRUZ
- **Principal Investigator:** Havva Fitnat Yildiz
- **Activity code:** R01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2021
- **Award amount:** $525,179
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2014-07-01 → 2025-05-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10170214

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10170214, Vibrio cholerae biofilms: structure, function, regulation and role in infection (5R01AI114261-07). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-24 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10170214. Licensed CC0.

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