Dr Rory Little’s research is focused on searching for new antibiotic medicines in an unusual place—the bacteria that live in symbiosis with the native insects of Aotearoa New Zealand. Bacteria are the masters of making antibiotic chemicals, many of which have been harnessed by us as life-saving medicines (e,g., erythromycin). But why search the bacterial symbionts of insects for new antibiotics? Many insects carry bacterial symbionts that help to protect their host by making antibiotic or antifungal compounds. Aotearoa New Zealand contains over 18,000 endemic species of insect, more than most other countries. However, almost nothing is known about the bacterial symbionts of these insects and the chemicals they produce. There is therefore an untapped treasure trove for drug discovery—literally—in our backyards and gardens. Dr Little has consulted with Wellington iwi to begin collecting insects and isolating their bacterial symbionts. He has begun screening these bacteria to identify those that produce antibiotic compounds, in addition to sequencing the genomes of genomes of these isolated bacteria, enabling the genetic “instructions” for antibiotic production to be read and understood. The next step is to begin isolating the antibiotic compounds, solving their chemical structures, and performing comprehensive bioactivity testing, enabling their utility as new medicines be determined. 

Using the career-development money provided by the award, Dr Little will attend the New Zealand Entomology Society conference in Christchurch. He plans to make contacts and start collaborations with entomologists to bolster his collection of New Zealand insects from which to isolate bacteria symbionts. In addition, he will attend the Synthetic Biology satellite meeting during Queenstown research week, where he will present preliminary results and make contacts within the New Zealand molecular biology/microbiology community. 

Dr Little’s career goal is to lead his own research team with the goal of discovering next-generation antimicrobials from bacteria. While he already has experience mentoring students, this award will allow him to complete the Emerging Leaders course run by Kapuhipuhi Wellington Uni Professional.