Interplay between iron homeostasis and virulence: Fur and RyhB as major regulators of bacterial pathogenicity (original) (raw)

In bacterial interactions with their hosts, iron availability plays a critical role in determining the outcome of infections. This essential metal, while necessary for growth, can also be toxic, necessitating tight regulation of its homeostasis. The global ferric uptake regulator (Fur) and the small regulatory RNA (RyhB) in Escherichia coli are identified as key controllers of both iron homeostasis and bacterial virulence. This review highlights the function of Fur and RyhB in regulating various virulence determinants, including the invasion of host cells, toxin production, motility, and biofilm formation, thereby underscoring their importance as potential targets in combating bacterial pathogenesis.