# Regulatory mechanism of novel host-relevant biofilm formation protein in non-Cholera Vibrio species

> **NIH NIH K22** · EAST CAROLINA UNIVERSITY · 2024 · $107,120

## Abstract

PROJECT SUMMARY/ABSTRACT
 Non-cholera Vibrio (NCV) species represent a notable and increasing threat to human health and food safety.
The biofilms formed by Vibrio species are robust and highly relevant to host infection. Biofilms are tightly
regulated communities of matrix-associated bacteria and are a major component of bacterial pathogenesis
including drug resistance. Since an estimated 75% of bacterial infections involve biofilms, it is crucial to better
understand how biofilms are formed. In this application, I propose to elucidate the molecular mechanism of an
unusual regulatory protein necessary for controlling NCV biofilm formation. This protein is conserved in NCVs
and controls the production of symbiosis polysaccharide (Syp), a component of the biofilm matrix involved in
host infection. Based on preliminary findings, this protein has an atypical mode of action compared to well
characterized homologs. My fundamental hypothesis is that this NCV biofilm regulator protein uses a novel
mechanism to control biofilm formation and will challenge our current understanding of this family of proteins.
My hypothesis will be addressed through two specific aims: 1) probing the protein’s function using biochemical
and structural characterization studies, and 2) uncovering its position in the regulatory network by identifying
binding partners. The proposed research is innovative because it focuses on a system that is crucial for biofilm
formation, and to date, the system has only been investigated using cellular and genetic approaches. The
structure-function approach proposed here will provide essential information needed to fill our knowledge gaps.
The project is significant because it will provide a deeper understanding of the regulation of host-associated
biofilms from the rising threat of NCV infection. Ultimately, the work proposed will answer key questions related
to the molecular mechanisms of a protein within a critical and conserved pathway that regulates host-relevant
biofilms. Support from this K22 award will facilitate my transition to an independent investigator by providing me
with resources to generate data and publications that will strengthen my competitiveness for future funding.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10897693
- **Project number:** 5K22AI170662-02
- **Recipient organization:** EAST CAROLINA UNIVERSITY
- **Principal Investigator:** Morgan Eilise Milton
- **Activity code:** K22 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2024
- **Award amount:** $107,120
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2023-08-02 → 2026-07-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10897693

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10897693, Regulatory mechanism of novel host-relevant biofilm formation protein in non-Cholera Vibrio species (5K22AI170662-02). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-25 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10897693. Licensed CC0.

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