Research
MR DNA is passionate about microbiome, microbiota and metagenome research. Our method development has opened doors to research around the world. Our founder was the original developer of the bacterial Tag-encoded FLX amplicon pyrosequencing (bTEFAP®) approach back in 2006, put into practice early 2007 and published in 2008.
The team at MR DNA seeks to work with scientists around the world in order to decode the microbiome of human diseases, agricultural, and other natural environments. From the gut of ants to the deep sea trenches, we are eager to work with scientists from across the globe to help elucidate new microbiomes. Either as a collaboration or as a strict service, we consider it a great honor to lend our expertise and skill to your project.
METAGENOMES:
We offer any of the major sequencing platforms for metagenome work. However, we now are offering $500/sample metagenomes (at least 10 samples in a batch) and generating for you up to 1GBases of sequence data per metagenome. This is astounding and introduces a new age of metagenome research.
MICROBIOTA:
We offer 16s sequencing on several platforms. With some assays we can offer prices as low as $60/sample for larger projects. Depending on the platform, this can generate between 3,000 and 20,000 nominal sequences per sample for these prices. This is the new age of microbiota characterization. We also provide free analysis with our data.
What is the Microbiome?
As DNA sequencing methods continue to develop and continue to become more powerful, scientists are unleashing that power in their research on the interactions of the human microbiota and its effects on human health and development. But what is the microbiome?... or is it microbiota?
First, it is important to distinguish between these two terms: microbiome vs microbiota. The microbiome is characterized as the genomes of the bacteria, archaea, and fungi collectively that reside in a specific environment such as the human body. The microbiota is characterized as the collection of the bacteria, archaea, and fungi themselves. So, using the power of next-generation sequencing, we can gain a greater insight into the human microbiota by investigating the microbiome through metagenome sequencing methods.
Most often when we encounter research involving the keyword microbiome, we are most often reading through an article focusing on the human microbiome. More specifically, human microbiome research often times is investigating the microbiota of the human gastrointestinal tract. However, it is important to remember that while microbiome research does involve the interplay between microbes and the human body, there are a variety of hosts that are affected by their microbiota e.g. animals and plants. Whether you are studying the microbiome of humans, plant, animals, or any other naturally occurring environment, there are a few sequencing methods at your disposal in order to complete your studies: Shotgun Metagenome Sequencing and 16s rRNA Sequencing. Both of these sequencing methods have their advantages and disadvantages, but it is important to understand that microbiome studies can be completed with a variety of sequencing methods.
Why is sequencing the Human Microbiome so popular?
Until fairly recently, there was little information regarding the bacteria, archaea, and eukaryotes living in and on the human body. This is surprising considering the fact that the number of microbial cells in and on the human body outnumber human cells 10:1. In 2007, the National Institutes of Health initiated the Human Microbiome Project with the goal of expanding our knowledge on the human microbiome and its impact on our health and overall quality of life. Through the resources and research generated as a result of the Human Microbiome Project, the scientific community now knows how diverse the human microbiome can be, not only between individuals, but also between body sites. Surprisingly, while the diversity of the human genome between individuals is less than 1%, there is no shared human microbiome.
As more and more research into the human microbiome is being published, researchers are beginning to understand the potential affects the human microbiome may have on our health and wellness. From the microbes living on the surface of our skin to those living in our bowels, there have been links drawn between site-specific microbiomes and specific pathologies. Some of the most recent studies have discovered a relationship between the human microbiome and more common diseases such as psoriasis and rheumatoid arthristis to less common and more life-threatening diseases such as colon cancer and Alzheimer's. As the cost of 16s rRNA sequencing and Shotgun metagenome sequencing continue to become more affordable, the greater the opportunity for researchers to shed light on the affects of the human microbiome and a great number of other disease that remain somewhat of a mystery to the scientific world.
Molecular Research MR DNA offers industry-leading microbiome sequencing services to investigate the structure, function, and diversity of microbial communities across diverse environments. With expertise in sequencing bacterial, fungal, archaeal, and eukaryotic microbiomes, we utilize advanced technologies, including Illumina and PacBio Sequel platforms, to deliver comprehensive metagenomic and metatranscriptomic solutions. Our sequencing workflows target key microbial markers such as 16S rRNA for bacteria, ITS for fungi, and COI for broader taxonomic profiling, enabling precise characterization of microbiomes in ecosystems, human health, and industrial applications.
Metagenome sequencing provides detailed insights into the genetic potential of microbial communities, uncovering key functional genes and metabolic pathways. Whether it's the gut microbiome, soil ecosystems, aquatic environments, or industrial microbiota, our high-throughput sequencing reveals microbial diversity, community composition, and functional capabilities. Metatranscriptome sequencing adds a dynamic layer by capturing gene expression data, offering real-time insights into microbial activity and responses to environmental conditions. Our combination of short-read Illumina sequencing and long-read PacBio Sequel technology ensures robust analysis of microbial interactions, rare species, and functional networks.
Our microbiome sequencing solutions are supported by a comprehensive bioinformatics pipeline for data processing, annotation, and interpretation. We offer taxonomic classification, functional annotation, and pathway reconstruction to help researchers explore microbial ecology, health-related microbiomes, bioremediation, and agriculture. By targeting markers like 16S, ITS, and COI, we provide high-resolution data for studying microbial symbiosis, pathogen-host interactions, and environmental adaptation. With Molecular Research MR DNA, researchers gain access to cutting-edge sequencing technologies, expert bioinformatics, and actionable insights to advance microbiome science in any domain.
At Molecular Research MR DNA, we specialize in microbiome metagenome and metatranscriptome sequencing to uncover the genetic and functional diversity of microbial communities in various environments. Using Illumina and PacBio Sequel platforms, we provide comprehensive insights into the structure, composition, and activity of microbiomes. Illumina's high-throughput sequencing enables precise taxonomic profiling and detection of rare microbes, while PacBio's long-read sequencing captures full-length genes and complex genomic features, enhancing the accuracy of microbiome analysis.
Our metagenome sequencing services allow you to explore the genetic potential of bacterial, fungal, archaeal, and eukaryotic communities. By targeting markers such as 16S rRNA, ITS, and COI, we deliver high-resolution data for taxonomy, metabolic pathway reconstruction, and community composition studies. Metatranscriptome sequencing adds a functional layer by analyzing gene expression within microbiomes, providing insights into microbial interactions, metabolic activities, and responses to environmental changes. Whether you're studying the human gut, soil ecosystems, or industrial microbiomes, our integrated solutions offer a detailed understanding of microbial roles and dynamics.
With robust bioinformatics pipelines, we support every stage of microbiome research, from raw data processing to advanced annotation and visualization. For metagenomes, we provide taxonomic classification, functional gene analysis, and pathway reconstruction. For metatranscriptomes, we offer differential expression analysis, isoform identification, and metabolic network mapping. At Molecular Research MR DNA, we are dedicated to empowering microbiome researchers with cutting-edge sequencing technologies and expert bioinformatics support. Unlock the potential of your microbiome studies with our tailored solutions using Illumina and PacBio platforms.