Ethical Implications of Genetic Screening

(Ethical Implications of Genetic Screening)

Genetic Screening

Epigenetic influences mean that genetic expression can only be fully understood in the context of environment. Likewise, environmental influences may be quite different, depending on the particular genes that are present. The intertwined effects of experience and gene expression have implications far beyond the theoretical questions of how cells in the developing brain interact with one another. As society approaches the era when anyone might be able to have their entire genome decoded for a modest price, and scientists learn more about which genetic variants can increase or decrease the risk of mental health disorders, there is a greater need for understanding how genes can impact the human mind.

For this week’s Discussion, you examine the relationship between environment and gene expression, and consider ethical implications of genetic screening for medical and psychological disorders.

With these thoughts in mind:

Post by Day 4 a description of how environment and experience might impact gene expression. Explain why possessing a gene making one vulnerable to disease does not necessarily result in developing the disease. Finally, describe two ethical considerations when using genetic screening for medical and psychological disorders. Support your postings and responses with specific references to the literature and Learning Resources.

The Relationship Between Environment and Gene Expression: Ethical Implications of Genetic Screening

Gene expression is not solely determined by inherited DNA sequences; rather, it is influenced by environmental factors and life experiences. The field of epigenetics explores how external influences, such as diet, stress, toxins, and social interactions, can regulate gene activity without altering the DNA sequence itself (Moosavi & Motevalizadeh Ardekani, 2016). For instance, childhood trauma can lead to long-term changes in stress-related genes, increasing susceptibility to mental health conditions such as depression and anxiety (McGowan et al., 2009). Similarly, exposure to pollutants or poor nutrition may contribute to the activation or suppression of genes linked to diseases like cancer and diabetes. This dynamic interaction between environment and genetics underscores the complexity of disease development and challenges the notion of genetic determinism.

Possessing a gene associated with a disease does not guarantee that an individual will develop the condition. Many genetic predispositions are influenced by multiple factors, including lifestyle and environmental exposures. For example, individuals carrying the BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutations have an increased risk of developing breast cancer, yet not all carriers will develop the disease. Protective factors, such as maintaining a healthy lifestyle or undergoing preventative screenings, can mitigate this risk (Kuchenbaecker et al., 2017). This illustrates the concept of gene-environment interaction, where genetic risk is modulated by external conditions.

The ethical implications of genetic screening for medical and psychological disorders raise significant concerns. One primary concern is genetic privacy and discrimination. If genetic information is not adequately protected, individuals may face discrimination from employers or insurance companies based on their genetic predisposition to certain conditions (Knoppers & Joly, 2018). This issue led to the enactment of laws such as the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act (GINA) in the United States, which aims to prevent genetic-based discrimination.

Another ethical consideration is psychological and social impact. Receiving information about genetic risks can cause psychological distress, particularly if no effective preventive measures exist. A person learning they have a high genetic risk for a debilitating condition, such as Alzheimer’s disease, may experience anxiety or depression, even if they never develop the disease (Roberts et al., 2018). Additionally, genetic screening could alter family dynamics, as results may affect reproductive choices or lead to guilt among family members who did not inherit a disease-related gene.

The growing accessibility of genetic screening demands careful consideration of its ethical and societal implications. While it offers the potential for early intervention and personalized medicine, it also poses risks related to privacy, discrimination, and psychological well-being. Future policies must balance the benefits of genetic knowledge with the protection of individuals’ rights and mental health.

References

Knoppers, B. M., & Joly, Y. (2018). Introduction: The why and whither of genetic discrimination. Journal of Law and the Biosciences, 5(1), 1-4. https://doi.org/10.1093/jlb/lsy004
Kuchenbaecker, K. B., Hopper, J. L., Barnes, D. R., Phillips, K. A., Mooij, T. M., Roos-Blom, M. J., … & Easton, D. F. (2017). Risks of breast, ovarian, and contralateral breast cancer for BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutation carriers. JAMA, 317(23), 2402-2416. https://doi.org/10.1001/jama.2017.7112
McGowan, P. O., Sasaki, A., D’Alessio, A. C., Dymov, S., Labonté, B., Szyf, M., … & Meaney, M. J. (2009). Epigenetic regulation of the glucocorticoid receptor in human brain associates with childhood abuse. Nature Neuroscience, 12(3), 342-348. https://doi.org/10.1038/nn.2270
Moosavi, A., & Motevalizadeh Ardekani, A. (2016). Role of epigenetics in biology and human diseases. Iranian Biomedical Journal, 20(5), 246-258. https://doi.org/10.22045/ibj.2016.01
Roberts, J. S., Christensen, K. D., Green, R. C., & Uhlmann, W. R. (2018). Genetic testing and psychological impact: Is there an evidence-based approach for patients? Personalized Medicine, 15(6), 423-425. https://doi.org/10.2217/pme-2018-0059

Ethical Implications of Genetic Screening