A: Western blots were used to assess the impact of saeRS, sarA, and protease production on the accumulation of SaeR. B. Western blots were used to assess the impact of saeRS, sarA, and protease production on the accumulation of AgrA. Single asterisk indicates statistical significance by comparison to the corresponding saeRS derivative. Double asterisks indicate significance by comparison to the isogenic sarA mutant. In both panels, the designation saeRS+ corresponds to LAC itself, with the functional status of sarA, and the ability to produce proteases, indicated by (+) and (−) signs below the blots.