XopJ alters the mRNA abundance of senescence- and SA-dependent genes.

Total RNA was isolated from pepper leaves infiltrated with 2×108 cfu/mL of Xcv or Xcv ΔxopJ, respectively. Quantitative real-time RT-PCR was performed to monitor mRNA levels. (A) SA-dependent-upregulated genes. (B) senescence-downregulated genes (CaSGR and CaCab-1B) and senescence-upregulated genes (CaSENU4). In both panels relative expression levels at 3 dpi are shown. Actin expression was used to normalize the expression value in each sample, and relative expression values were determined against the average value of the sample infected with wild- type Xcv. Leaf material from 4 independent pepper plants was pooled and analyzed in triplicates. Data represent the mean SD. Significant differences were calculated using Student's t-test and are indicated by: *, P<0.05; **, P<0.01; ***, P<0.001.