Detection of VM55599 and preparaherquamide from Aspergillus japonicus and Penicillium fellutanum:: Biosynthetic implications

The secondary metabolites VM55599 (4) and preparaherquamide (5) have been identified by LC-MSn analysis as natural metabolites in cultures of Penicillium fellutanum, whereas preparaherquamide has been identified only in cultures of Aspergillus japonicus. In accord with a previous proposal, the identification of both metabolites, which have a diastereomeric relationship, provides indirect support for a unified biosynthetic scheme.