Ferric uptake regulation protein (Fur)

The Ferric uptake regulation (Fur) protein is a global transcriptional regulator found in a wide variety of bacteria, where it acts as the primary sensor for intracellular iron availability (Fillat, 2014). In the presence of sufficient iron, Fur binds to ferrous iron (Fe2+), which triggers a conformational change allowing the protein to bind to 'Fur box' sequences in the DNA, typically repressing the expression of iron acquisition systems (UniProt, 2023). This regulatory mechanism is crucial for preventing the formation of reactive oxygen species through the Fenton reaction, thereby protecting the cell from oxidative damage (Carpenter et al., 2009). Beyond iron metabolism, Fur is known to control the expression of numerous virulence factors, including toxins and secretion systems, making it essential for the pathogenesis of organisms like Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Helicobacter pylori (Pasqua et al., 2017). As Fur is highly conserved among pathogens but absent in humans, it represents a promising target for novel antivirulence therapies designed to starve bacteria of iron or disrupt their stress response (Trotta et al., 2011).

Other names

Ferric uptake regulatorIron-dependent transcriptional repressorFur proteinFerric uptake control protein

Inhibition of DNA binding by competing with the ferrous iron cofactor or disrupting the protein-DNA interface.