Figure 6: Global coordination roles of the Fur regulatory network in E. coli.

The Fur regulatory network is involved in many cellular functions required in addition to iron acquisition and utilization. Fur directly regulates genes associated with (a) iron metabolism, (b) DNA synthesis, (c) redirection of metabolism towards fermentative pathways and (d) biofilm formation for searching nutrients in response to iron availability. These networks are linked through the coordination role that Fur plays. Underlined characters indicate novel Fur regulon revealed in this study.