Amplicon sequencing
Efficient community profiling using marker genes for bacteria, archaea, fungi, and eukaryotes.
- 16S rRNA (bacteria / archaea)
- ITS (fungi)
- 18S / COI (eukaryotes & broad profiling)
Microbiome research & sequencing for real-world studies
MR DNA partners with scientists worldwide to decode microbial communities across human health, agriculture, and natural environments—from ant guts to deep-sea sediments.
Targets
16S / 18S / ITS / COI
Approaches
Amplicon + shotgun
Support
Bioinformatics options
What we can do for your microbiome study
Choose a targeted amplicon approach for efficient community profiling, or shotgun methods for functional depth and higher resolution. We’ll help you pick the right method for your question, sample type, and scale.
Shotgun metagenomics
Capture the genetic potential of the whole community—taxonomy + function.
- Functional annotation & pathway insights
- Higher resolution than marker genes
- Supports genome-resolved approaches
Metatranscriptomics
Measure microbial activity by sequencing expressed genes to see “who is doing what” right now.
- Gene expression profiling in complex samples
- Pairs well with metagenomes
- Environmental response & mechanism studies
Microbiome vs. microbiota
The microbiota refers to the collection of microbes themselves (bacteria, archaea, fungi, and more) in a given environment. The microbiome refers to the collective genetic content (their genomes) of those microbes in that environment.
In practice: amplicon sequencing is often used to describe the microbiota composition, while shotgun metagenomics interrogates the microbiome (the genes and functions present).
Microbial communities can be profiled by marker genes or shotgun sequencing.
Common study types
A few examples of where these methods shine. If yours isn’t listed, we can still help.
Human health & disease
Gut, skin, oral, urogenital, and site-specific microbiomes; longitudinal and intervention studies.
Agriculture & animal health
Soil, rhizosphere, plant-associated communities, livestock gut microbiomes, and production systems.
Environmental & industrial
Water, sediment, extreme environments, wastewater, bioprocess microbiota, and bioremediation.
Discovery projects
Novel ecosystems and “unknown unknowns” where shotgun approaches uncover functional potential and rare taxa.
Request a quote for your project
Tell us your sample type, number of samples, and research question. We’ll recommend the best approach and provide a quote.