The ABC transporter ABC40 encodes a phenylacetic acid export system in Penicillium chrysogenum

► abc40 is highly upregulated in the presence of phenylacetic acid. ► Deletion of abc40 renders cells sensitive to phenylacetic acid and other weak acids. ► Inactivation of the abc40 gene has no effect on β-lactam biosynthesis. ► P. chrysogenum ABC40 complements weak acid sensitive S. cerevisiae Δpdr12 cells. ► ABC40 is involved in weak acid detoxification in P. chrysogenum.