# The biofilm matrix of P. aeruginosa

> **NIH NIH R01** · UNIVERSITY OF WASHINGTON · 2022 · $567,144

## Abstract

Project Summary
Biofilm formation has been linked to many chronic bacterial infections. Thus, significant research has been
directed towards understanding the basic biology behind biofilm formation. Biofilms produce an extracellular
matrix that functions, in part, to hold the community together. Pseudomonas aeruginosa represents a
paradigm species for the study of biofilms in the laboratory. The regulation of matrix production and the
carbohydrate component of the matrix have both been examined. However, the protein component of the
biofilm matrix has been relatively understudied. Our groups identified a biofilm matrix protein for P.
aeruginosa, CdrA. CdrA provides structural integrity through extracellular interactions with the matrix
polysaccharide Psl. Outside of matrix proteins that provide structural functions, we predict that matrix
associated proteins can play both nutritional and protective roles for the community. This project will initially
focus on CdrA and its role in the matrix. We will then characterize ecotin a matrix bound protease inhibitor and
three matrix-associated proteases. Finally, we will identify new matrix proteins that associate with eps
component of the biofilm matrix.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10330563
- **Project number:** 5R01AI143916-04
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF WASHINGTON
- **Principal Investigator:** Michael MacCoss
- **Activity code:** R01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2022
- **Award amount:** $567,144
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2019-02-22 → 2024-01-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10330563

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10330563, The biofilm matrix of P. aeruginosa (5R01AI143916-04). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-23 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10330563. Licensed CC0.

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