# Functionality of CdrA and its processed forms within Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilms

> **NIH NIH R00** · WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY · 2022 · $249,000

## Abstract

PROJECT SUMMARY/ABSTRACT
Microbial communities called biofilms are hallmarks of chronic infections. Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a model
for biofilm study, and also is a pathogen that causes biofilm infections including of burns, wounds, urinary
catheters, contact lenses, and the airways of patients with cystic fibrosis (CF). Biofilm microbes are encased in
a mesh-like extracellular matrix that helps bacteria to evade host defenses and protects against external assaults
such as antimicrobial treatment. A better understanding of biofilm matrix assembly is necessary to improve
prevention and treatment of biofilm-involved infections. The long-term goal of this application and the candidate,
Dr. Reichhardt, is to establish an independent research program focused on the nature and functional impact of
intermolecular interactions in biofilm. Towards this goal, the immediate career objective of Dr. Reichhardt is to
obtain an independent faculty position using the proposed research as the foundation of her job applications.
The overall research objective of this application is to investigate the flexibility and control of matrix interactions
of the key P. aeruginosa protein CdrA. Based on preliminary data, the hypothesis is that the biofilm functionality
of CdrA can be expanded through enzymatic processing and binding to host factors, impacting biofilm stability.
To test this hypothesis, two specific aims are proposed and will be investigated using Dr. Reichhardt’s unique
multidisciplinary training in biophysical chemistry and microbiology. Aim 1 will elucidate the biofilm functionality
of CdrA and its processed forms within P. aeruginosa biofilms including those found in chronic infections. Aim 2
will examine the ability of CdrA to integrate host material into biofilms and determine if these host factor-
integrated biofilms are more protected against antimicrobials and host immune responses. These aims are
expected to transform the established view of biofilm matrices as static structures that are formed by only self-
produced biomolecules. This improved understanding will advance biofilm microbiology and aid the creation of
effective treatments for chronic infections. This proposal includes a career development plan to complement Dr.
Reichhardt’s prior experience so that she can successfully transition to an independent research faculty position.
Dr. Reichhardt has assembled a multidisciplinary mentorship committee to help her achieve her scientific and
career development goals. Professor Parsek is an ideal mentor for Dr. Reichhardt since he is internationally
recognized as a leader in biofilm microbiology, and he has a strong track record producing successful
independent academic scientists, including several with multidisciplinary backgrounds. The proposed research
is distinct from that of Professor Parsek, and the results of this project will transition with Dr. Reichhardt to her
future independent research program. Additionally, results generated from...

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10451834
- **Project number:** 5R00GM134121-04
- **Recipient organization:** WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY
- **Principal Investigator:** Courtney Reichhardt
- **Activity code:** R00 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2022
- **Award amount:** $249,000
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2019-08-01 → 2024-06-30

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10451834

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10451834, Functionality of CdrA and its processed forms within Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilms (5R00GM134121-04). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-24 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10451834. Licensed CC0.

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