MR DNA

What MR DNA does

MR DNA (operating as Molecular Research LP) is a privately held contract sequencing and bioinformatics laboratory founded in 2011 and headquartered in Shallowater, Texas. The firm provides fee-for-service access to next-generation sequencing (NGS) across the full spectrum of common genomics workflows, including marker-gene amplicon sequencing via its proprietary bTEFAP® method, shotgun metagenomics, whole genome sequencing, RNA-seq/transcriptomics, targeted panels, whole exome sequencing, single-cell RNA sequencing, bisulfite methylation profiling, ancient DNA, COVID-19 genomic surveillance, and Luminex-based immunoassays. Operated as a limited partnership with 11–50 employees, MR DNA maintains Illumina NovaSeq 6000, Illumina MiSeq, and PacBio Sequel platforms, having retired legacy Ion Torrent, HiSeq 2500, and capillary SeqStudio workflows. Its end customers are academic, government, agricultural, environmental, oncology, and biomedical researchers; the firm has participated in a major NIH effort to broaden access to rapid assay technologies and automated high-throughput molecular screening.

The firm monetizes on a per-sample, pay-as-you-go model with tiered volume discounts and academic/government pricing. Pricing is publicly disclosed for representative workflows — Illumina amplicon assays at $45–$85 per assay depending on volume, PacBio Sequel amplicon at $50–$300 per sample, shotgun metagenome at $250–$600 per sample, whole genome sequencing from $250 per sample, RNA-seq at $350–$600 per sample, and DNA/RNA extraction at $30–$70 per sample. Optional bioinformatics analysis and custom pipelines are billed as add-on professional services. The go-to-market is consultative and sales-led: customers initiate contact by email or phone, scientists recommend the appropriate workflow, and a custom quote is delivered. There is no self-service ordering portal, e-commerce channel, or programmatic API; distribution is exclusively direct, and no reseller, distributor, or channel partner relationships are evident in the source material. Marketing relies on SEO-structured service pages, an educational blog, and direct email outreach.

The product differentiator is bTEFAP® — a registered trademark covering an inexpensive, barcoded, high-throughput amplicon workflow with an extensive in-house primer collection spanning 16S, 18S, ITS, COI and functional gene targets (nirS, nifH, dsr, pufM, nosZ, HMC). New assay setup typically costs only an additional $10–$20 per barcode, enabling low-cost customization. The company has consistently reinvested in modern sequencing capacity, retired older platforms in favor of NovaSeq 6000 and PacBio, and broadened the service catalog into adjacent verticals. No venture funding rounds, acquisitions, partnerships, leadership changes, or revenue figures were disclosed in the source material; ownership, cap table, and external investor relationships could not be determined.

Name

MR DNA

Legal name

Molecular Research LP

Website

https://mrdnalab.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2011

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

MR DNA (Molecular Research LP) is a Shallowater, Texas-based contract sequencing laboratory offering next-generation sequencing and bioinformatics services, including its proprietary bTEFAP® amplicon method, to academic, government, agricultural, and biomedical research clients globally.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Genomics Sequencing Services

NAICS

Research and Development in Biotechnology (except Nanobiotechnology) (541714), Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (54171), Medical Laboratories (621511)

SIC

Services-Commercial Physical & Biological Research (8731), Services-Medical Laboratories (8071)

akta.pro primary industry

Molecular & Genetic Testing (PCR/NGS/qPCR) (HLAGADAF)

akta.pro secondary industries

Transcriptomics & Gene Expression Profiling Services (HLAGANAE), Oncology Diagnostics (tumor profiling, MRD, liquid biopsy) (HLAAALAE), Genomic & Multi-Omic Biomarkers (NGS panels, transcriptomics, proteomics, metabolomics) (HLAAAMAJ), Epigenomics & Chromatin Profiling Services (HLAGANAF), Molecular Diagnostics (PCR/qPCR, NGS-based assays) (HLAAALAA)

Keywords

• Next-generation sequencing
• Microbiome profiling
• Bioinformatics analysis
• Whole genome sequencing
• Transcriptome sequencing

Headquarters

HQ city

Shallowater

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure, Operations, Marketing or Sales

Revenue model

1. Sequencing Services: Per-sample and per-assay sequencing fees across multiple platforms including Illumina NovaSeq 6000, MiSeq, HiSeq, and PacBio Sequel. Pricing varies by platform, read length, depth, and project size. Volume discounts apply for larger sample counts and multi-project commitments.
2. DNA/RNA Extraction Services: DNA extraction starting at $30-$40 per sample; RNA extraction starting at $40-$70 per sample, depending on sample type and service requested. Optional service bundled with sequencing projects.
3. Bioinformatics Analysis: Optional add-on bioinformatics services including QC, assembly, annotation, differential expression, pathway analysis, and custom pipelines. Pricing varies by analysis complexity and study design.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels1 record

Marketing channels3 records

Core offering

MR DNA (Molecular Research LP) is a contract sequencing and bioinformatics laboratory offering fee-for-service access to next-generation sequencing (NGS) platforms (Illumina NovaSeq 6000, MiSeq, PacBio Sequel) and computational analysis. Services span amplicon sequencing (proprietary bTEFAP®), shotgun metagenomics, whole genome, transcriptome, exome, targeted panels, single-cell RNA-seq, bisulfite methylation, ancient DNA, microbial and cancer genomics, plus DNA/RNA extraction and custom molecular assay development.

Product overview

MR DNA (Molecular Research LP) operates as a contract sequencing and bioinformatics laboratory offering fee-for-service access to next-generation sequencing technologies and computational analysis. The core portfolio centers on amplicon sequencing services (bTEFAP®), shotgun metagenome sequencing, and whole genome sequencing, supplemented by RNA-seq services (including transcriptome sequencing, small RNA sequencing, and single-cell RNA sequencing via 10x Genomics workflows), targeted sequencing (Illumina AmpliSeq), whole exome sequencing, and bisulfite sequencing for methylation analysis. Bioinformatics and data analysis services are offered as integrated or standalone deliverables. Additional specialty services include ancient DNA sequencing, COVID-19 genomic surveillance, immunoassays (Luminex MAGPIX), and custom molecular assay development. The company operates sequencing platforms including Illumina NovaSeq 6000, Illumina MiSeq, and PacBio Sequel, with discontinued platforms (Ion S5, HiSeq 2500, SeqStudio, Ion AmpliSeq) noted.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• bTEFAP®: Bacterial Tag Encoded FLEX Amplicon Sequencing, a proprietary amplicon sequencing method developed by MR DNA for cost-effective microbiome profiling.

Products and services

• bTEFAP® Amplicon Sequencing Targeted amplicon sequencing service using the proprietary bTEFAP® methodology for 16S, 18S, ITS, COI, and functional gene markers, supporting custom primer assays and scalable community profiling for bacteria, archaea, fungi, and eukaryotes.
• Shotgun Metagenome Sequencing Whole-genome shotgun sequencing that sequences all DNA in a sample to enable taxonomic and functional profiling of microbial communities with species-level resolution and metabolic pathway insights.
• Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS) Scalable whole genome sequencing service for bacterial, fungal, and eukaryotic genomes, supporting de novo assembly and resequencing workflows against reference genomes.
• Transcriptome Sequencing (RNA-seq) Gene expression profiling including total RNA-seq, polyA RNA-seq, metatranscriptomics, small RNA profiling, and PacBio Iso-Seq full-length transcript sequencing for alternative splicing and isoform discovery.
• Targeted Sequencing & Gene Panels Focused sequencing for specific genes or genomic regions using amplicon-based or hybrid-capture panels, enabling high-depth variant detection for oncology, pharmacogenomics, and microbial surveillance.
• Whole Exome Sequencing (WES) Protein-coding region sequencing service targeting exons for cost-effective variant discovery in rare disease research, oncology studies, and population genetics.
• Single-Cell RNA Sequencing (scRNA-seq) Single-cell transcriptomics service enabling cell-type discovery, immune profiling, and tumor microenvironment analysis using Illumina-based workflows with optional bioinformatics for clustering and differential expression.
• Small RNA Sequencing Small RNA sequencing for miRNA discovery, siRNA and piRNA analysis, and regulatory RNA profiling with differential expression analysis capabilities.
• Bisulfite Sequencing DNA methylation analysis using WGBS and RRBS methods for base-resolution cytosine methylation profiling, with optional PacBio Sequel IIe for direct DNA modification detection without bisulfite conversion.
• De Novo Sequencing Genome and transcriptome assembly for novel organisms using shotgun sequencing approaches, supporting gap closure with long-read scaffolding and comprehensive annotation pipelines.
• Microbiome Sequencing Services Comprehensive microbiome profiling encompassing marker-gene sequencing (16S/ITS/18S/COI), functional gene targets, shotgun metagenomics, and metatranscriptomics for human, environmental, and industrial applications.
• Microbial Sequencing Services Bacterial, viral, fungal, and archaeal genomics covering whole genome sequencing, amplicon sequencing, shotgun metagenomics, and transcriptomics for clinical, environmental, agricultural, and industrial applications.
• Cancer Genomics & Sequencing Services Oncology-focused NGS supporting targeted panels, whole exome, whole genome, transcriptome, and custom workflows for somatic mutation detection and gene expression analysis.
• Immunoassays Quantitative protein and biomarker analysis using Luminex MAGPIX multiplex assays and ELISA-style protein quantification to complement genomic data in integrated genomic and proteomic studies.
• Molecular Method & Assay Development Custom R&D for developing novel molecular methods including high-throughput screening assays, genotyping assays, viral and fungal assays, microsatellite screening, and target enrichment sequencing, developed through an NIH-funded initiative.
• Bioinformatics & Data Analysis Computational biology services covering genomics variants, assembly and annotation, RNA-seq expression analysis, targeted panel workflows, epigenetics and methylation analysis, and metagenomics community profiling with publication-ready outputs.
• COVID-19 Sequencing & Genomic Surveillance SARS-CoV-2 sequencing using amplicon-based whole-genome sequencing and shotgun metagenomics for variant tracking, outbreak investigation, and viral evolution research.
• Ancient DNA Sequencing (aDNA) Specialized sequencing for degraded and fragmented DNA from archaeological remains, fossils, and sediments, supporting paleogenomics, archaeogenetics, sedimentary aDNA, and ancient pathogen studies with contamination-aware workflows.
• DNA/RNA Extraction Services Nucleic acid extraction from diverse sample types as a standalone or bundled service with DNA extraction starting at $30-$40 per sample and RNA extraction starting at $40-$70 per sample.

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature2 records

Scale indicators2 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Broad incumbents

• Eurofins Genomics: Eurofins Genomics is one of the largest global sequencing services providers offering amplicon, WGS, RNA-seq, and bioinformatics across Europe, the US, and Asia. Comparable to MR DNA across nearly every service line but at materially greater scale, instrument capacity, and geographic reach.
• Novogene: Novogene is a leading global NGS service provider offering Illumina- and PacBio-based amplicon, WGS, RNA-seq, exome, and single-cell sequencing with bioinformatics. Directly comparable to MR DNA's service menu, with deeper automation and international presence.
• Macrogen: Macrogen is a global genomics services company offering Sanger, NGS, WGS, RNA-seq, and bioinformatics to academic and clinical customers. Comparable to MR DNA's full-service menu with substantially larger scale and direct-to-researcher international delivery.
• BGI Genomics: BGI Genomics operates one of the world's largest sequencing services platforms (including DNBSEQ technology and Illumina-compatible workflows) covering amplicon, WGS, RNA-seq, and clinical sequencing. Adjacent competitor to MR DNA on price-sensitive research sequencing, with unmatched scale.

Direct peers

• Azenta Life Sciences (formerly GENEWIZ): Azenta/GENEWIZ provides Sanger, NGS, amplicon, WGS, RNA-seq, and synthetic biology services to academic and biopharma researchers. Direct competitor to MR DNA on the same core offerings (amplicon, WGS, RNA-seq, bioinformatics) with comparable consultative sales and a similarly broad menu.
• CD Genomics: CD Genomics is a sequencing and bioinformatics services CRO offering amplicon, metagenomic, WGS, RNA-seq, and custom assay development. Closely comparable to MR DNA across microbiome, amplicon, and multi-omic service lines, with a similar consultative, quote-based sales model.
• RTL Genomics: RTL Genomics (Research and Testing Laboratory) is a sequencing services lab specializing in amplicon-based microbiome profiling (16S, 18S, ITS) and metagenomics. Direct competitor to MR DNA's bTEFAP®-led microbiome franchise with overlapping customer segments in agriculture, environmental, and human microbiome research.
• Zymo Research: Zymo Research provides DNA/RNA extraction kits, microbiome sequencing services, and bioinformatics (e.g., ZymoBIOMICS), combining product and service revenue. Comparable to MR DNA on microbiome amplicon and shotgun services, with additional kit/reagent revenue MR DNA does not have.

Emerging players

• CosmosID: CosmosID is a microbiome analytics company offering shotgun metagenomic sequencing with its proprietary curated database for high-resolution taxonomic and functional profiling. Comparable to MR DNA's metagenomics service, differentiated by CosmosID's database-driven analytics and CLIA-certified clinical positioning.

Others

• Integrated DNA Technologies (IDT): IDT (a Danaher company) is a leading supplier of oligonucleotides, NGS library prep kits, and custom assays used widely by sequencing service labs. Comparable to MR DNA not as a direct service competitor but as an enabling reagent and custom-assay supplier with adjacent assay-development capabilities.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/mrdna_lab
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/mr-dna

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about MR DNA