Characterization and regulation of new secondary metabolites fromAspergillus ochraceusM18 obtained by UV mutagenesis

Abstract

UV irradiation of Aspergillus ochraceus NRRL 3174 conidia led to stable mutations in ochratoxin and penicillic-acid pathways. These mutants, especially M18, produced an unexpectedly large number of new metabolites. Two new compounds were purified by TLC and HPLC and their chemical structures were determined. They are 2,10-dimethyl 4-hydroxy-6-oxo-4-undecen-7-yne (1) and 4-(3-methyl-2- butenyl) oxy 1-phenyl acetic acid (2). Compound 1 is very active against Gram-positive bacteria, such as Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus subtilis, but inactive against Gram-negative bacteria, fungi, and yeasts. However, compound 2 has no antibiotic activity. The production of 1 was generally associated with growth, whereas that of compound 2 was dissociated from growth. The biosynthesis of these 2 metabolites was influenced by the sources of carbon and nitrogen.Key words: Aspergillus ochraceus, ochratoxin, penicillic acid, secondary metabolites, mycotoxins, regulation.