Global epigenetics market showing double digit growth

The global epigenetics market has been forecast to increase at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 25% over the next five years, increasing from a valuation of $2.6 billion in 2012, to hit a market value of $8 billion by 2017.

The global epigenetics market is showing double digit growth due to a number of supportive factors such as, the huge amount of funds and investments, the increase in partnerships and collaborations, and rapid screening tools.

In biology, and specifically genetics, epigenetics is the study of heritable changes in gene expression or cellular phenotype caused by mechanisms other than changes in the underlying DNA sequence.

It refers to functionally relevant modifications to the genome that do not involve a change in the nucleotide sequence. Examples of such modifications are DNA methylation and histone modification, both of which serve to regulate gene expression without altering the underlying DNA sequence.

These changes may remain through cell divisions for the remainder of the cell's life and may also last for multiple generations. However, there is no change in the underlying DNA sequence of the organism; instead, non-genetic factors cause the organism's genes to behave (or "express themselves") differently.

Although cancer has been regarded a mutational disease for a long time, it has remained a key area for epigenetic diagnostics and therapeutics. Most of the attention in the epigenetic research and development is devoted to DNA methylation, the histone changes as biomarkers have recently drawn attention.

Over the last decade, genomics and proteomics have been used as key tools to discover potential drug targets and to better understand the complexities of biology.

To balance research in these areas, epigenetics offers a potential opportunity in understanding the basis of various diseases in a different approach.

While there are factors favouring epigenetics market growth, there are concerns such as change in re-imbursement systems and the lack of predictive markers holding back growth within the industry. However, the positive aspects in this field may very well offset the market restraints to aid market grow at an exceptional rate.

For more information on the global epigenetics market, see the latest research: Global Epigenetics Market

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