Epigenetics is the study of heritable changes in gene function that do not involve changes to the underlying DNA sequence. It refers to modifications to the DNA molecule or to the proteins and other molecules that interact with DNA, that result in changes to gene expression or activity, without altering the DNA sequence itself. These modifications can be influenced by environmental factors and can result in long-term changes to an organism's phenotype.
According to the report published by Allied Market Research, the global epigenetics market was estimated at $1.0 billion in 2020 and is expected to hit $4.1 billion by 2030.
High-end technological advancements associated with epigenetics, rise in incidences of cancer, surge in genome mapping programs, and growing number of R&D activities drive the global epigenetics market. On the other hand, standardization concerns over epigenetics-based diagnostics and dearth of skilled professionals impede the growth to some extent. However, several growth opportunities in the emerging economies have created an array of lucrative prospects for the key players in the industry.
In epigenetics, various segments of the genome can be studied,
including:
1. Chromatin:
The complex of DNA and proteins that make up chromosomes and play a key role in
regulating gene expression.
2. DNA
methylation: The addition of a methyl group to the DNA molecule, which can
alter the way genes are regulated.
3. Histone
modification: Changes to the proteins around which DNA is wrapped, affecting
the accessibility of the DNA to the cellular machinery that transcribes genes
into RNA.
4. Non-coding
RNA molecules: Small RNA molecules that regulate gene expression by interacting
with DNA or other RNA molecules.
These segments are all targets for epigenetic modifications, and each can contribute to the regulation of gene expression and the determination of cellular phenotypes.
Genetics and epigenetics are two distinct fields of study in the life sciences, although they are closely related.
Genetics refers to the study of the DNA sequence and how it
determines the traits and characteristics of an organism. It focuses on the
inheritance of traits from parents to offspring and the variation in DNA
sequences among individuals in a population.
Epigenetics, on the other hand, focuses on the heritable changes
in gene function that do not involve changes to the underlying DNA sequence.
Instead, epigenetics is concerned with the changes in gene activity and
expression that result from modifications to the DNA molecule or to the
proteins and other molecules that interact with DNA. These modifications can be
influenced by environmental factors and can result in long-term changes to an
organism's phenotype.
In short, genetics is concerned with the sequence of DNA, while
epigenetics is concerned with the regulation of gene expression and activity
based on modifications to the DNA molecule and its environment.
Epigenetics is a rapidly advancing field, and new innovations are
constantly being developed. Some of the recent innovations in the field of
epigenetics include:
1. CRISPR-mediated
epigenome editing: Using the powerful CRISPR gene editing system to make
precise modifications to the epigenome, such as DNA methylation or histone
modification, with the goal of correcting genetic diseases.
2. Epigenetic
reprogramming: Developing methods to reverse or reset the epigenetic marks on
cells, with applications in regenerative medicine and cancer therapy.
3. Epigenetic
biomarkers: Developing new methods to identify and measure epigenetic changes
in cells and tissues, with potential applications in disease diagnosis and
prognosis.
4. Epigenetic
inheritance: Discovering the mechanisms by which epigenetic changes can be
transmitted from one generation to the next, with implications for
understanding the role of epigenetics in evolution and disease.
By Regional Analysis:
The market across North America dominated
in 2020, garnering nearly of the global epigenetics market, owing to rapid
adoption of advanced technologies and presence of key players across North America. Simultaneously, Asia-Pacific is expected to cite the fastest CAGR
of 16.3% throughout the forecast period, due to rise in R & D activities
for epigenetics services and increase in healthcare investment in the region.
Key players in the industry-
- Abcam Plc.
- PerkinElmer,
Inc.
- Zymo
Research
- QIAGEN
N.V.
- Merck
Millipore
- Agilent
Technologies, Inc.
- Illumina
Inc.
- Active
Motif, Inc.
- Hologic
Inc.
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