Turning the switch: using chemical genetics to elucidate protein kinase functions in filamentous fungi

Chemical genetics provides tools for controlling the activity of a selected enzyme in a dose-dependent and reversible manner. To study kinase functions, a system has been developed, which combines an engineered variant of the enzyme with modified chemical inhibitors or ATP analogs, which are not accepted by wild-type kinases. While this system has been widely utilized in yeast research, it remains underappreciated in filamentous fungi. Therefore, this powerful tool holds a strong, mostly untapped potential for the experimental research in this important group of organisms.

► Chemical genetics provides tools to specifically inhibit a chosen kinase. ► The ATP-binding pocket of the kinase is mutated in order to accept large inhibitors. ► This system allows dose dependent and reversible inhibition of the kinase. ► The system is widely applied in yeast research. ► Chemical genetics holds great promise for filamentous fungal research.