Your questions about DNA and applied genomics.

Environmental DNA is the trace of DNA that organisms leave in their surroundings: cells, mucus, faeces or gametes. Collected from water, soil, sediment or biofilms, these traces reveal which species are present without capturing or directly observing them.

No. eDNA reveals that a species’ DNA is present in a sample; it complements field surveys and ecological expertise without replacing them, and does not directly give the size of a population.

Metabarcoding surveys multiple species using genetic markers shared by the target groups (12S, COI, 18S, ITS…). Digital PCR (dPCR) detects and quantifies targeted DNA sequences. Our species assays use specific primers and a probe; multiplex assays can investigate several targets when the protocol supports them.

No. dPCR estimates an amount of target DNA, as a number of copies. This helps compare samples or sites, but does not directly count the individuals present.

Seawater and freshwater, soil, sediment and biofilms. LDgenX offers sampling kits suited to each environment, including air.

No. LDgenX works on complete studies, single analysis steps or specific developments. The first conversation can take place before fieldwork, to design the sampling strategy together.

LDgenX holds primers and probes for 22 species (mammals, fish, a reptile and invertebrates) and designs custom assays for new targets. Matrices, conditions of use and performance are evaluated for each project.

Yes. Our bioinformatics support covers the processing, analysis and interpretation of existing data: metabarcoding, metagenomics, WGS, RADseq, RNAseq or epigenetics.

Yes. LDgenX prepares sampling kits for each environment (seawater, freshwater, soil, air) and offers water filtration equipment: triple pump, StickPump and Yellow Submarine. Their contents are agreed with the team according to your protocol.

LDgenX provides DNA data for baseline surveys, impact assessments and monitoring, supporting consultancies and developers: sampling strategy, analyses and interpretation. The regulatory file and the definition of measures remain the developer’s responsibility.

LDgenX is approved for the French research tax credit (CIR). Eligible R&D work you outsource to us may count towards your CIR, subject to the conditions applying to your company and project. A provider’s approval does not automatically make every service eligible.

The scope of the service, the reporting, the timeline and the quote are defined from your needs when the project is scoped. The more precise your request, the more precise the proposal.

The team works at the Ifremer station in Palavas-les-Flots, near Montpellier (Hérault, Occitanie, France). Its studies also cover other regions, such as the ports and estuaries of Artois-Picardie.

Dr Maeva Leitwein and Dr Emilie Delpuech, co-founders, specialised in population genomics and bioinformatics; Maxime Lambert, laboratory engineer in molecular biology; Dr Damien Crestel, bioinformatician in population and quantitative genetics.

Yes. Team members co-author articles in peer-reviewed journals such as Molecular Ecology, Genetics Selection Evolution, Heredity and Evolutionary Applications. Each article is presented with a summary on the Research page.