Introduction
The insurance industry spends quite a bit of time and money evaluating the physical condition and mortality of applicants. The underwriting process has long followed these cumbersome, time consuming, and expensive traditions. Epigenetics potentially opens a door to simplifying the underwriting process by eliminating the need for physical exams and the use of convoluted health questionnaires.
What is Epigenetics?
Epigenetics is the study of changes in organisms brought about by modification of gene expression, rather than alteration of the genetic code in the form of DNA. It can be viewed as the biological answer to the question asking how the environment can override the determinism of our DNA.
The epigenome tells brain cells to behave as brain cells and not liver cells. In addition, the various epigenome, when exposed to stressors, can suppress the genes ability to fully express itself. For example, there are genes that will prevent the uncontrollable cell division that causes cancer. However, if that individual is exposed to enough toxins, the epigenome may stop the gene from preventing the cancerous cell divisions. The DNA is unchanged, but the epigenome has suppressed its ability to function. The epigenome can be viewed as a light dimmer, in the sense that the level to which it is applied will determine the magnitude of the DNA's ability to express itself.
In short, genetics will influence outcomes, but environmental factors behavior, lifestyle, etc.) are also significant and may, at times, override genetic risk factors.
Epigenetic Law/Ethics
This story is from the February 2023 edition of THE INSURANCE TIMES.
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This story is from the February 2023 edition of THE INSURANCE TIMES.
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