Can epigenetics predict your future?

Gene expression refers to how often or when proteins are created from the instructions within your genes. While genetic changes can alter which protein is made, epigenetic changes affect gene expression to turn genes “on” and “off.” The epigenome is a collection of chemical compounds that rest on or attach to your DNA. This is what the prefix “epi” refers to – it means “above” in Greek. The epigenome makes sure cells only see the part of the blueprint they need, essentially “activating” or “deactivating” genes.    By obtaining epigenetic information from a non-invasive saliva sample, an insurer can attain information about an insureds’ current health and wellness statuses, resulting from their environment and behavior (for example diet, exercise, alcohol, tobacco, and drug use), with more precision than conventional paramedical testing methods. The use of epigenetic testing in life insurance underwriting can provide accurate information about insureds’ current and varying health and wellness statuses, while steering clear from the perceived unfairness of unchangeable genetic information. It can also contribute to accurate risk classification, an alignment of interests between insureds and insurers while upholding the essential regulatory norms of information symmetry and transparency.