Genetic components of involved in its complex prey-predator interaction with .

and represent a well-studied microbial predator-prey pair frequently examined in laboratory settings. While significant progress has been made in comprehending the mechanisms governing predation, various aspects of the response and defensive mechanisms of as prey remain elusive. In this study, the MG1655 large-scale chromosome deletion library was screened, and a mutant designated as ME5012 was identified to possess significantly reduced susceptibility to predation by . Within the deleted region of ME5012 encompassing seven genes, the significance of and genes in driving the observed phenotype became apparent. Specifically, the deletion of resulted in a notable reduction in flagellum production in , contributing to a certain level of resistance against predation by . Meanwhile, the removal of in led to diminished inducibility of myxovirescin A production by , accompanied by a slight decrease in susceptibility to myxovirescin A. These findings shed light on the molecular mechanisms underlying the complex interaction between and in a predatory context.