# Revisiting alginate paradigms

> **NIH NIH R01** · OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY · 2020 · $518,218

## Abstract

Project Abstract
This application seeks to define the molecular mechanisms and fitness benefits of alginate overproduction by
mucoid variants of Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Specifically we will define features of the alginate biofilm matrix
that enhance P. aeruginosa persistence and better understand the role of alginate in maintaining passive
protection to the P. aeruginosa microbial community in the CF airway.
This proposal will use state-of-the art molecular, biochemical, immunological, and genetic approaches to probe
aspects of alginate pathogenesis and to reevaluate some long-standing paradigms. To date, the mechanisms
underlying biofilm formation by alginate producing bacteria is not well understood. Aim 1 will investigate the
biochemical and genetic basis for alginate biofilm matrix maintenance of biofilm integrity, structure, and
antimicrobial resistance properties. While it is clear that mucoid variants predominate during chronic airway
infection in CF patients, rarely are they present as pure clonal mucoid isolates. Instead, mucoid bacteria are
typically associated with mixed populations of wild type P. aeruginosa that have not undergone mucoid
conversion, as well as spontaneous suppressors that arise. The goal of Aim 2 is to test the hypothesis that this
mixed consortia confers fitness benefits to the P. aeruginosa community as a whole that is not observed in
either nonmucoid or mucoid bacteria alone. Alginate expression in the CF lung correlates with a poor clinical
prognosis. However there are gaps in our knowledge regarding specific properties that alginate
overproduction affords bacteria and the microbial consortia within the airway. The completion of these aims
will lead to a deeper understanding of alginate biology and translate into novel therapies or interventions for CF
patients colonized with mucoid P. aeruginosa.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 9814089
- **Project number:** 5R01AI134895-03
- **Recipient organization:** OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY
- **Principal Investigator:** Daniel J Wozniak
- **Activity code:** R01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2020
- **Award amount:** $518,218
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2017-11-03 → 2022-10-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/9814089

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 9814089, Revisiting alginate paradigms (5R01AI134895-03). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-24 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/9814089. Licensed CC0.

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