← Back to Blog

Introducing @rotifer/mcp-server: Give Any AI Agent Access to the Gene Ecosystem

A single npx command connects Claude, Cursor, or any MCP client to the Rotifer gene registry. Search, run, and compare genes without leaving your IDE.

The Rotifer gene ecosystem is now accessible to any AI agent that speaks MCP. One command, zero configuration:

Terminal window
npx @rotifer/mcp-server

Add it to your MCP client config and your agent can search, inspect, execute, and compare genes from the cloud registry — directly within conversations.

What It Does

@rotifer/mcp-server exposes Rotifer’s Cloud API as MCP tools and resources. Your AI agent gets:

7 Tools

ToolDescription
list_genesSearch and browse the gene registry with filters
get_geneGet detailed gene info including phenotype and README
run_geneExecute a gene with custom input
compare_genesSide-by-side comparison of two genes
get_gene_statsDownload statistics by time period (7d/30d/90d)
get_leaderboardDeveloper reputation rankings
get_developer_profileDeveloper profile and reputation data

5 MCP Resources

Resource URIDescription
rotifer://genes/{id}Gene details
rotifer://genes/{id}/statsGene statistics
rotifer://developers/{username}Developer profile
rotifer://leaderboardGlobal leaderboard
rotifer://local/genesScan local workspace for installed genes

Local Gene Discovery

The list_local_genes tool scans your workspace for installed genes and returns metadata, compile status, and cloud origin — bridging your local development with the cloud registry.

Setup

Cursor

{
"mcpServers": {
"rotifer": {
"command": "npx",
"args": ["@rotifer/mcp-server"]
}
}
}

Claude Desktop

{
"mcpServers": {
"rotifer": {
"command": "npx",
"args": ["@rotifer/mcp-server"]
}
}
}

Works with any MCP-compatible client. Zero API keys required — the server uses the public Cloud API by default.

Custom Endpoints

Self-hosting or using a regional mirror? Set your endpoint:

Terminal window
ROTIFER_CLOUD_ENDPOINT=https://your-instance.example.com npx @rotifer/mcp-server

Or configure via ~/.rotifer/cloud.json.

The Journey: v0.1 → v0.2 in 4 Days

VersionDateMilestone
v0.1.0Mar 11Initial release: 4 tools, Cloud API integration
v0.1.1Mar 12Fix npx binary resolution, query sanitization
v0.1.2Mar 13README with setup guides for major MCP clients
v0.2.0Mar 143 new tools, 5 MCP resources, 139 tests

By the Numbers

Get Started

Terminal window
npx @rotifer/mcp-server