Heme-dependent metalloregulation by the iron response regulator (Irr) protein in Rhizobium and other Alpha-proteobacteria

Perception and response to nutritional iron by bacteria is essential for viability, and for the ability to adapt to the environment. The iron response regulator (Irr) is part of a novel regulatory scheme employed by Rhizobium and other Alpha-Proteobacteria to control iron-dependent gene expression. Bradyrhizobium japonicum senses iron through the status of heme biosynthesis to regulate gene expression, thus it responds to an iron-dependent process rather than to iron directly. Irr mediates this response by interacting directly with ferrochelatase, the enzyme that catalyzes the final step in heme biosynthesis. Irr is expressed under iron limitation to both positively and negatively modulate gene expression, but degrades in response to direct binding to heme in iron-sufficient cells. Studies with Rhizobium reveal that the regulation of iron homeostasis in bacteria is more diverse than has been generally assumed.