The Methylated RNA Immunoprecipitation Sequencing (MeRIP-Seq) market is a growing segment within the broader epitranscriptomics and next-generation sequencing (NGS) industry. As of 2024, the global MeRIP-Seq market is valued at approximately USD 145 million and is projected to expand at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of around 13.6%, reaching over USD 350 million by 2030. This significant growth is being driven by a surge in transcriptomic research, drug discovery, biomarker identification, and academic interest in RNA modifications such as N6-methyladenosine (m6A).
MeRIP-Seq is a specialized technique used to map methylated RNA at a transcriptome-wide level. It combines immunoprecipitation of methylated RNA using antibodies with high-throughput sequencing, allowing for the profiling of RNA modifications that regulate gene expression, splicing, translation, and stability. As the understanding of epigenetic regulation at the RNA level increases, MeRIP-Seq is becoming a crucial tool in functional genomics, disease mechanism research, and precision medicine.
Key drivers fueling this market include the rise in chronic and genetic diseases, increased government and private funding for RNA epigenetics research, and continuous advancements in sequencing technologies. Additionally, innovations in bioinformatics pipelines and RNA enrichment kits are enhancing data accuracy and efficiency, further propelling adoption.
North America dominates the market due to robust academic research infrastructure, while Asia-Pacific is rapidly emerging due to expanding biotech ecosystems in China, India, and South Korea. Collaborations between universities, contract research organizations (CROs), and biotech firms are shaping the landscape of this market.
The market can be segmented into epitranscriptomics research, cancer biomarker discovery, neurological disorder studies, and infectious disease research.
Epitranscriptomics research is the largest segment, contributing nearly 40% of the total market. Researchers are increasingly utilizing MeRIP-Seq to study methylation marks like m6A, m5C, and m1A, exploring how they influence RNA fate. Universities and consortia like the NIH-funded RNA Epigenetics Consortium play a vital role here.
In cancer biomarker discovery, MeRIP-Seq is used to identify methylation-dependent oncogenic pathways and prognostic RNA methylation signatures. Lung, breast, and hepatocellular carcinoma have shown promising applications. Neurological disorder studies use the technology to explore m6A dysregulation in diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson’s. Infectious disease research gained traction during the COVID-19 pandemic, where MeRIP-Seq was used to analyze viral RNA methylation patterns and host-pathogen interactions.
Key end users include academic and research institutes, biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies, contract research organizations (CROs), and clinical diagnostics laboratories.
Academic and research institutes account for the highest usage, fueled by grants and collaborative studies on RNA modifications. Institutions like MIT, Stanford, and Tsinghua University are leading adopters. Biotech and pharma firms use MeRIP-Seq in early-stage drug discovery and target validation, particularly for epigenetic and RNA-based therapeutics.
CROs are gaining momentum as outsourcing partners for high-throughput sequencing services. Their cost-efficiency and technical expertise are valuable for small to mid-sized biotechs. Clinical diagnostics laboratories represent an emerging user group as RNA methylation biomarkers progress toward translational use in precision oncology and personalized treatment.
The market is segmented into sequencing kits and reagents, instruments and pl