Metagenomics

The ATGC offers two approaches to characterizing microbial communities.

Targeted 16S / 18S amplicon sequencing

Targeted 16S and 18S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) amplicon sequencing is used to characterize and compare microbial communities based on their taxonomic composition. The approach enables the identification and comparison of bacterial and fungal communities in complex microbiomes and environmental samples, including samples that are difficult to characterize using conventional culture-based methods. The ATGC offers a range of rRNA sequencing libraries from genomic DNA, including bacterial 16S V4, bacterial 16S V3–V4, and fungi-specific 18S sequencing libraries.

Shotgun metagenomics

Shotgun metagenomics sequences the genomic DNA present in a sample rather than a single targeted region, providing a comprehensive view of the microbial community. It enables taxonomic profiling below the genus level and, by capturing the broader gene content of the community, supports functional and metabolic pathway profiling, as well as the assembly of reads into metagenome-assembled genomes (MAGs).

For projects requiring DNA extraction, the ATGC offers automated DNA purification from a wide range of sample types using the QIAGEN QIAcube platform, providing high-quality DNA suitable for downstream metagenomic applications. Please review our DNA extraction sample delivery instructions.

Before submitting your samples, please review the metagenomics sample delivery instructions and complete the appropriate submission form for your application: targeted 16S/18S rRNA sequencing or shotgun metagenomics.

The sequencing data is sent via Illumina Basespace cloud. Please open an account and indicate the email address associated with your account in the sample submission form. Instructions on how to open an account and manage your data in the cloud.