With the genetically modified Kitasatospora setae NBRC 14216(T) strain, a new beta-carboline alkaloid, kitasetaline (1), was produced on solid medium. The structure was elucidated on the basis of physicochemical evidence. This is the first report of this type of alkaloid found in the genus Kitasatospora. (C) 2012, The Society for Biotechnology, Japan. All rights reserved.