Zalerion arboricola ATCC20868 produces pneumocandin Ao (L-67 1 ,329), a cyclic hexapeptide with a dimethylmyristic acid side chain. This compoundhas anti-candida and anti-pneumocystis activities. We were interested in looking for other related compounds produced by this organism. To facilitate this search, a simple medium (S2) composed of D-mannitol, peptonized milk, lactic acid, glycine, KH2PO4and trace elements, which supported the production ofa number of such compounds, was designed. For the isolation of mutants, either spores or growing mycelia were treated with TV-nitroso-TV-methylurethaneor Af-methyl-Af'-nitro-TV-nitrosoguanidine and survivors were screened for changes in the product spectrum. From approximately 1,500 survivors tested, 5 mutants were isolated. Mutants ATCC20957, 74030, 20958 and 20988 exclusively produce various pneumocandins other than Ao. These compoundswere active against Candida and Pneumocystis carinii. The yield of Ao was found to be increased 2.5-fold over that of the parent in the fifth mutant, MF5415. Further mediumstudies indicated that the addition of soybean oil to S2 mediumimproved the yields.

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