ADP · AlFx-dependent complex formation between the DctD AAA+ domain and σ54. Complex formation between DctD proteins and native S. enterica serovar Typhimurium σ54(A), histidine-tagged S. enterica serovar Typhimurium σ54 (B), or N-terminal histidine-tagged S. meliloti σ54 (C and D) was assessed. DctD(141-390), DctD(141-394), and a histidine-tagged version of DctD(Δ1-142) were included in binding reaction mixtures as indicated at the bottom of each lane. Protein complexes were resolved on a native gel and visualized by silver staining. Arrows in panels A to C indicate the complexes formed between σ54 proteins and the DctD AAA+ domain proteins. No complexes were detected between σ54 and DctD(Δ1-142) under the same reaction conditions. Panel A shows binding reactions done with S. enterica serovar Typhimurium σ54, panel B show reactions with the histidine-tagged S. enterica serovar Typhimurium σ54, and panels C and D show reactions with the histidine-tagged S. meliloti σ54.