FIG 5.

Gene subtype combinations influence T6SS function. (A) Schematic of vgrG loci and colors used to symbolize plasmids with vgrG as well as tap and EI gene pair (T-EI). (B) Western blot analysis of cellular and supernatant fractions of 12D1ΔV harboring vgrG alone or paired with its native combination of tap and EI pair. (C and D) vgrG paired with its native or nonnative combination of tap and EI pair. RpoA is a cytoplasmic protein used as a control for cell lysis. Molecular-weight markers are indicated in kilodaltons. All western blot analyses were repeated twice with similar results. (E and F) Interbacterial competition assays between agrobacterial strains (predator) and E. coli (prey), mixed at a ratio of 30:1 (predator to prey). Cells were serially diluted and spotted onto LB agar selective for E. coli and grown overnight prior to photographing. The assays were repeated at least three times in two independent experiments and yielded similar results.