Towards Predicting Autism in Utero with Dr. Janine LaSalle

What if we could actually identify and even correct significant
autism risk factors in utero, before a baby is born? This is the
promise of the game-changing research of Dr. Janine LaSalle,
epigeneticist extraordinaire from UC Davis. With autism rates
continuing to increase at alarming rates (the latest data from the
CDC, released in 2023, is 1 in 36 children in the US, an increase
from the prior 1 in 44), new ways to prevent and treat this
condition are of utmost importance. Dr. LaSalle is on a mission to
change that, by investigating something you probably haven't heard
much about yet - the placental methylome. Methylation signatures in
the maternal placenta are yielding information both for predicting
autism in children and for intervention targets to prevent the
development of the disease. It's just incredibly exciting. In our
conversation, you'll also learn how placental methylation behaves
differently to DNA methylation in other tissues, and how the
placental methylome may also help us better understand cancer as
well as mechanisms that restore more youthful epigenetic patterns.
Hold onto your hats folks - yes this is deep science, but it's also
actionable even now. You'll hear how methylation support
specifically in the early pregnancy window is key and how it's also
protective against insults from environmental toxicants. You’re in
for a treat with this fascinating conversation that has
far-reaching implications for you and your patients. ~DrKF

Check out the show notes at
https://www.drkarafitzgerald.com/fxmed-podcast/ for the full list
of links and resources.
Guest Information

Janine LaSalle, Ph.D.
Professor, Medical Microbiology and Immunology, School of
Medicine
University of California, Davis
jmlasalle@ucdavis.edu
The LaSalle Lab at University of California, Davis
Thank you to our sponsors Diamond

Rupa Health: https://tinyurl.com/4anbz7b3


Biotics Research: https://www.bioticsresearch.com/


Integrative Therapeutics: https://tinyurl.com/4emwj48z
Gold

TimeLine Nutrition: https://tinyurl.com/bdzx2xms


OneSkin: https://tinyurl.com/ycxtw4zt
Try OneSkin for yourself with coupon code DRKARA15 to receive 15%
off your first purchase.
Midroll

Practice Better: https://tinyurl.com/28mmab99
Start your free trial and save 20% for 4 months on any paid plan
with code KF20
Show Notes

Perinatal Origins of Disparities Center: https://pod.ucdavis.edu/


Environmental Health Sciences Center:
https://environmentalhealth.ucdavis.edu/


MIND Institute: https://health.ucdavis.edu/mindinstitute/


Article: Too Much Folate in Pregnant Women Increases Risk for
Autism, Study Suggests: https://tinyurl.com/bdf9ez6k


The human placental methylome: https://tinyurl.com/7zz8dz55


Markers of Autism Risk in Babies (MARBLES):
https://tinyurl.com/49phe22r