Page 20 - Insurance Times February 2023

Cover Story

Epigenetic

Application to

the Insurance

Kanya Saraswathy C
Head Commercial and
Reinsurance,
Industry Global Insurance Advisory Group,
Tata Consultancy Services Ltd

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.

Introduction may stop the gene from preventing the cancerous cell
divisions. The DNA is unchanged, but the epigenome has
The insurance industry spends quite a bit of time and money
suppressed its ability to function. The epigenome can be
evaluating the physical condition and mortality of applicants.
viewed as a light dimmer, in the sense that the level to which
The underwriting process has long followed these
it is applied will determine the magnitude of the DNA's ability
cumbersome, time consuming, and expensive traditions.
to express itself.
Epigenetics potentially opens a door to simplifying the
underwriting process by eliminating the need for physical
In short, genetics will influence outcomes, but environmental
exams and the use of convoluted health questionnaires.
factors (behavior, lifestyle, etc.) are also significant and may,
at times, override genetic risk factors.
What is Epigenetics?
Epigenetics is the study of changes in organisms brought about
Epigenetic Law/Ethics
by modification of gene expression, rather than alteration of
Currently, the body of epigenetic law, by itself, is quite limited.
the genetic code in the form of DNA. It can be viewed as the
biological answer to the question asking how the environment Many experts believe that genetic law also applies to
can override the determinism of our DNA. epigenetics. However, there is a clear and well-defined
difference between genetics and epigenetics. In general,
The epigenome tells brain cells to behave as brain cells and genetics looks forward based on an individual's immutable
not liver cells. In addition, the various epigenome, when DNA, while epigenetics looks backward at the sum total of
exposed to stressors, can suppress the genes ability to fully an individual's exposures.
express itself. For example, there are genes that will prevent
the uncontrollable cell division that causes cancer. However, US Federal Law is primarily based on the Genetic
if that individual is exposed to enough toxins, the epigenome Nondiscrimination Act of 2008 (GINA) which prohibits any

18 January 2023 The Insurance Times