Shotgun Metatranscriptomics

What You Can Achieve

• Identify actively expressed genes in microbial communities
• Detect differentially expressed genes across environmental or experimental conditions
• Uncover functional pathways involved in stress response, adaptation, and metabolism
• Analyze host–pathogen interactions and community-level regulation
• Track performance shifts in engineered microbial systems (e.g., bioreactors)

Before You Start

We support you from experimental design to data interpretation. Key factors to clarify:

• What is the sample type and source (e.g. stool, soil, biofilm, tissue)?
• Is RNA of sufficient quantity and integrity (RIN ≥ 6)?
• What is the expected diversity and structure of the microbial community?
• Do you require higher resolution in expression, taxonomic assignment, or functional annotation?

What sequencing depth and replicates are needed to answer your question?

Modular Workflow

Outsource the entire workflow—or select specific modules. Our process is designed for flexibility. Typical workflow steps include:

Bioinformatic Analysis

Our analysis delivers insights into which genes are expressed, by which organisms, and how expression changes between conditions.

You receive:

• Functional gene expression profiles
• Active taxonomic composition
• Differential expression analysis across conditions
• Interactive visualizations and downloadable data tables

Turnaround Time

• 30 working days for sequencing
• +10 working days for full bioinformatic analysis
• Express service available upon request

Sample Requirements

• Buffer recommendation: 10 mM Tris-HCl (pH 7.0)
• Important: Avoid any buffers containing EDTA >1mM
• RNA quantification: Use fluorometric methods (e.g., PicoGreen®, Qubit®)

Sample amounts required for Illumina sequencing: