Next-Generation Sequencing

Next-generation sequencing (NGS) lies at the heart of Ark2 Labs’ discovery engine. This technology enables both metagenomic and metatranscriptomic analysis — allowing us to not only catalog the full genetic potential of microbial communities, but also to understand which genes are actively expressed in real time. Through metagenomics, we can uncover the vast library of biosynthetic gene clusters encoded within marine microbes, many of which have never been described before. This provides a blueprint of nature’s capacity to produce novel compounds with pharmaceutical, biotechnological, and ecological relevance. Metatranscriptomics adds a dynamic layer, revealing how microbial communities function under specific environmental conditions. By linking gene expression to temperature, salinity, nutrient levels, and other microclimate variables, we gain unprecedented insight into how these organisms respond to their surroundings — and how their biosynthetic pathways can be harnessed for innovation. Together, these approaches transform the ocean into a living laboratory. They allow Ark2 Labs to move beyond static observation and toward predictive, actionable knowledge — opening new frontiers in natural product discovery while deepening our understanding of marine ecosystems.