Technological Advancement Toward Innovation in Epigenetics

Epigenetics is the study of gene variants that may result in modifications that affect normal gene mutation. Epigenetic mechanisms are being linked to an increasing number of chronic diseases and disorders, including cardiovascular disease, autoimmune disease, and neurodegenerative disorders, as well as environmental cues and nutrition, which can have a significant impact on epigenetic processes like DNA methylation, histone modification, and non-coding RNA.

The rise of epigenetics has resulted in a growing need for testing assays developed by firms in this sector to enable improved outcomes on the rising occurrence of cancer.

According to BIS healthcare experts, the epigenetics market is one of the most quickly growing , with the worldwide market expected to increase at a CAGR of 17.11 percent between 2021 and 2031.

Constraints for Epigenetic Market

• High Cost of Instruments

Instruments are expensive because they include advanced features and functions that are required for epigenetics research. Illumina’s flagship sequencer. The HiSeq 4000, is the most expensive on the market and is widely used in epigenetics clinical and translational research, among other things.

The high cost of running tests and employing polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and next-generation sequencing (NGS) tools is another key hurdle to the growth of the epigenetics business in developing countries. As a result, such factors may limit the use of epigenetic operations and cause a considerable difference when paired with next-generation sequencing (NGS) and polymerase chain reaction (PCR), thereby restricting industry expansion.

• Dearth of Skilled Professionals in Epigenetic Research

The scarcity of competent specialists in epigenetics research for sample preparation and analysis is posing a significant challenge to the entire industry. Data on gene expression is used for a variety of applications, including DNA methylation and gene sequencing.

The main challenge is assessing the enormous volume of gene expression data. In a few circumstances, technological advancements have enabled technology such as dPCR and genome sequencers to offer an analysis; nonetheless, interpretation remains the responsibility of the scientist.
Due to the high level of complexity involved and the requirement for in-depth experience in the field of epigenomics, it is required to hire epigenetics professionals to review and interpret gene translation data.

Innovation in epigenetics as a result of technological advancement

Epigenetics & ChIL-Alternative to ChIP-Seq: Epigenetics has emerged as a fast-moving topic on the key fronts of precision medicine research in recent years. On the other hand, research into the therapeutic activities of chromatin-related systems in the human immune system is still in its early stages.

ChIP-Seq experiments have transformed the way scientists investigate epigenetic changes in chromosomal conformation and transcription factor binding at the genomic sequence level.

However, ChIP-Seq has significant disadvantages. Extracting enough material from a small number of cells to provide high-quality next-generation sequencing data is difficult. A new technical invention called as ChIL, which stands for Chromatin Integration Labelling, has solved the problem.

Epigenetic Time of Flight (EpiTOF): A mass cytometry-based technique called epigenetic time of flight (EpiTOF) is used to identify the post-translational modifications (PTMs) that histones undergo in both healthy and diseased states. A recent technology called EpiTOF permits highly multiplexed analysis of chromatin variations in individual cells and aids in the detection of overall chromatin mark changes between biological samples.

The use of EpiTOF to investigate the effects of pathogens on the host epigenome in patients with infectious diseases, the role of epigenetic mechanisms in asthma and allergic diseases, epigenetic changes related to treatment response, and single-cell heterogeneity in chromatin modification profiles in haematological malignancies will also present a remarkable opportunity to find new therapeutic targets and biomarkers.

Increasing Government Initiatives in the Field of Epigenetics

To encourage the epigenetics market, the government is taking action. Additionally, a thriving industry has been created, opening up more entry points, as a result of market participants in the United States receiving government approval for their epigenomics goods. Inc. received FDA approval for its “QXDx Auto Droplet Generator Droplet Digital PCR” system in February 2019. This system will be used to diagnose myeloid leukaemia and to monitor treatment response.

In a variety of epigenetics research applications, this technology enables precise and accurate measurement of target DNA and RNA molecules. Similar to this, The Exact Sciences Corporation received approval from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in September 2019 to use its patented Cologuard test on Americans between the ages of 45 and 49.

In a few words, the global epigenetics market is experiencing a significant shift in the advances that have already happened and are currently making their way into the market.

Additionally, there is tremendous potential for developing niche sectors, like the DNA methylation market, to continue driving the epigenetics business forward as better diagnostic technologies advance.

Additionally, this industry has tremendous growth potential due to highly opportunistic trends like the quick acceptance of epigenetics in the treatment of cancer, heart disease, and liver cirrhosis in healthcare settings.