Gene expression determined by qRT-PCR in strain PT1617.

<p>Expression of QS-regulator (<i>lasR</i>, <i>rhlR</i>, <i>pqsR</i>), QS-target (<i>lasB</i>, <i>rhlA</i>, <i>pqsC</i>) and <i>vqsM</i>-operon genes (PA2228, <i>vqsM</i>, PA2222). Values show a representative experiment from three independent qRT-PCR determinations. RNA was extracted from exponentially growing cells (OD₆₀₀ = 2) in LB medium. cDNA and qRT-PCR analysis was performed as described in Materials and Methods. Gene expression was normalized to the expression of the <i>rpsL</i> housekeeping gene and compared to the levels measured in strain PAO1.