YTFE

YTFE, identified as di-ferritin YtfE and found within E. coli, is a transferrin family protein with a dual iron-binding capacity. It participates in cellular responses to nitrosative stress by undergoing nitrosation upon nitrite exposure, which triggers the release of NO. Despite its minimal NO reductase activity, YtfE serves as an iron donor for the reconstitution of damaged ferrioxazine centers. Acting as a high-affinity, low-capacity nitrite reductase, YtfE collaborates with co-regulated NO-consuming enzymes like Hmp and Hcp to alleviate nitrosative stress. Its expression is markedly upregulated under such stress, aiding in cell survival. YtfE also interacts with Dps, DNA-binding proteins, to mitigate redox stress mediated by RIC proteins. These roles highlight YtfE's significance in the bacterial defense against nitrosative challenges.