GATA-type transcription repressor that regulates iron acquisition genes through specific binding the GATA sequence elements of target promoters (PubMed:26960149). SreA targets include genes encoding a number of key iron-regulated factors such as the siderophore biosynthesis genes (PubMed:26960149). Is dispensable for growth on keratin substrates (PubMed:26960149). SreA represses the expression of hapX and the siderophore system during iron sufficient conditions by an iron-sensing mechanism, while hapX represses sreA and activates the siderophore system during iron-limiting conditions resulting in efficient iron uptake and inhibition of iron-consuming pathways (PubMed:26960149). Expression is repressed by the transcription factor hapX during iron starvation (PubMed:26960149). The conserved cystein-rich region (CRR) localized between the zinc fingers is also involved in DNA-binding and transcription repressor activity (By similarity).