Ethical Implications of Epigenetics Research

Abstract

New advances in epigenetics research are being reported at an accelerating rate. Intriguing research findings, primarily from animal studies, show that epigenetic changes tend to occur at a much higher frequency than mutations in DNA sequence, that the susceptibility to epigenetic changes is greater at earlier stages of development, and that epigenetic changes are often reversible.. Importantly, a growing body of data from animal and human studies suggests that alterations in gene expression that are due to epigenetic processes, such as DNA methylation, can be inherited and affect future generations.

Keywords: epigenetics, genetics, research, environmental justice, intergenerational justice, access to health care, privacy, risk assessment

JEL Classification: K31, K32