The field of chemical biology encompasses the study of small molecules and their interactions with biological systems. Protein kinases and G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs) are key targets in chemical biology research due to their significance in signaling pathways and physiological processes. Achieving selectivity for these targets remains a critical challenge, given their structural similarities and overlapping binding sites.

This Research Topic aims to explore the selectivity of small molecules for protein kinases and GPCRs within the realm of chemical biology. We seek to address the challenges of selectivity and develop innovative strategies to enhance specificity, ultimately contributing towards the development of novel therapeutics.

In this Research Topic we invite submissions addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:

o Chemical probes: Developing selective small molecules as tools for studying protein kinases and GPCRs in chemical biology research.

o Structure-based design: Utilizing structural information to design small molecules with improved selectivity profiles.

o Covalent inhibitors: Exploring the design and development of covalent inhibitors with enhanced target specificity.

o Kinetic selectivity: Understanding structure-kinetic relationships of small molecule inhibitors to improve their binding kinetic properties.

o Chemical genetics: Utilizing small molecules to study and manipulate protein kinase and GPCR signaling pathways in cellular and organismal contexts.

o Chemical proteomics: Employing mass spectrometry-based proteomics approaches to identify and characterize small molecule selectivity for protein kinases and GPCRs.

We welcome original research articles, reviews, and perspective papers that advance our understanding of small molecule selectivity within the field of chemical biology. Manuscripts should provide novel insights, methodologies, and potential applications in the development of selective chemical tools and therapeutics.

Benedict-Tilman Berger is employed by Boehringer-Ingelheim Pharma GmbH & Co, Matthew Robers is employed by Promega, and Yamina Berchiche is employed by Superluminal Medicines. All other Topic Editors declare no competing interests with regards to the Research Topic subject.

Submit your idea

Impact

Frontiers in Chemical Biology

Submit your idea

Impact