Ler positively regulates the LEE genes by competition with its homolog, H-NS. H-NS silences LEE genes via rigid filament structures bound to the DNA that Ler disrupts and replaces through unknown mechanisms. Though little is known of the mechanism of Ler regulation, Ler interacts with DNA in specific ways. Ler binds DNA non-cooperatively, bends DNA in low concentrations, stiffens it in high concentration, and forms toroidal nucleoprotein complexes along DNA in vivo.