Metagenome sequencing
Shotgun metagenomics sequences all DNA in a sample to profile taxa, genes, pathways, and functional potential.
Pricing
Pricing preserved Request a quote for current totals, turnaround, and volume discounts. More reads + more samples = better pricing.
| Sequencing platform | Read length / assay | Metagenome sequencing pricing |
|---|---|---|
| Illumina NovaSeq 6000 | 2×150 bp |
Data amounts are customizable beyond these small-project examples. |
| Illumina NovaSeq | 2×250 bp |
|
| Illumina MiSeq | 2×300 bp | 1–2M paired-end reads / sample = $500 (data only) |
| PacBio Sequel | 10-hour movie | Low-coverage bacterial genomes starting at $700 (project dependent) |
Overview
What is metagenome sequencing? What is shotgun metagenome sequencing, and how is it different from 16S rRNA profiling?
Metagenomics is the study of microbial populations sampled directly from environments such as soil, water, wounds, and built environments. These studies can be completed using a variety of sequencing methods.
The term shotgun metagenome sequencing refers to sequencing all DNA from all organisms present, enabling both taxonomic and functional insight.
Applications
- Species- and strain-level community profiling
- Functional gene and metabolic pathway analysis
- Environmental and bioremediation studies
- Host–microbe interaction studies
Methods and options
- Random DNA fragmentation enables broader detection than targeted 16S rRNA sequencing
- Reduced bias versus older culture/cloning workflows
- Improved detection of low-abundance community members
What you receive
- Demultiplexed FASTQ files + run QC
- Optional taxonomic + functional profiling (project dependent)
- Optional reporting and interpretation
Long-form article + references (preserved for SEO)
Metagenomics is the study of microbial populations sampled directly from the environment such as soil from crop fields, pond water, an open wound etc.
Is there a difference between 16S rRNA sequencing and shotgun metagenome sequencing? The short answer is yes. 16S rRNA sequencing targets only the 16S rRNA gene found in bacteria and archaea, while shotgun sequencing targets all genes from all organisms in a sample.
Shotgun metagenome sequencing can provide a more complete picture of microbial diversity. Modern NGS platforms reduce bias and improve detection of low-abundance organisms.
Because shotgun sequencing is not limited to 16S rRNA, it also enables insight into functional genes and metabolic pathways.
Related research (preserved): the full project excerpt and citation remain available here for readers and search engines.
Vergani, L., Mapelli, F., Marasco, R., Crotti, E., Fusi, M., Di Guardo, A., … Borin, S. (2017). Bacteria Associated to Plants Naturally Selected in a Historical PCB Polluted Soil Show Potential to Sustain Natural Attenuation. Frontiers in Microbiology, 8. doi:10.3389/fmicb.2017.01385
Ready to start a shotgun metagenomics project?
Share sample type, count, and goals. We’ll recommend depth, platform, and deliverables.