In Pseudomonas aeruginosa, the narK(1)K(2)GHJI operon encodes two nitrate/nitrite transporters and the dissimilatory nitrate reductase. The narK(1) promoter is anaerobically induced in the presence of nitrate by the dual activity of the oxygen regulator Anr and the N-oxide regulator Dnr in cooperation with the nitrate-responsive two-component regulatory system NarXL. The DNA bending protein IHF is essential for this process. Similarly, narXL gene transcription is enhanced under anaerobic conditions by Anr and Dnr. Furthermore, Anr and NarXL induce expression of the N-oxide regulator gene dnr. Finally, NarXL in cooperation with Dnr is required for anaerobic nitrite reductase regulatory gene nirQ transcription. A cascade regulatory model for the fine-tuned genetic response of P. aeruginosa to anaerobic growth conditions in the presence of nitrate was deduced.