Ultrasound Targets Brain to Deliver Creatine

Creatine, known for boosting muscle function, also significantly impacts brain health; however, supplements often fail to aid those with creatine deficiency disorders. Now, researchers are pioneering a method to bypass the brain’s protective barriers.

Novel Delivery Method Shows Promise

A Virginia Tech research team is developing a groundbreaking technique using focused ultrasound to deliver creatine directly to the brain. This innovative approach, led by **Cheng-Chia “Fred” Wu**, aims to overcome the blood-brain barrier that prevents creatine from effectively reaching brain cells.

The project is supported by a $30,000 grant from the Association for Creatine Deficiencies, highlighting the potential of this targeted treatment.

Creatine’s Crucial Role in Brain Function

Creatine is vital for energy production within brain cells, influencing key functions like memory, learning, and even seizure control. **Chin-Yi Chen**, a research scientist at Virginia Tech’s Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at VTC, stated that “Creatine is very crucial for energy-consuming cells in skeletal muscle throughout the body, but also in the brain and in the heart.”

Beyond energy, creatine affects neurotransmitter systems, influencing inhibitory pathways using gamma-aminobutyric acid, which limits neuronal excitability. According to a 2023 study in the *Journal of Clinical Medicine*, creatine supplementation can improve cognitive processing, especially in tasks requiring rapid decision-making (Journal of Clinical Medicine, 2023).

Overcoming the Blood-Brain Barrier

Many individuals with creatine deficiencies experience improved muscle mass with supplements, but continue to face neurodevelopmental challenges. This is because the blood-brain barrier, which protects the brain from harmful substances, also restricts the passage of beneficial compounds like creatine.

**Wu** is exploring therapeutic focused ultrasound, which precisely targets areas of the brain. This method allows drugs to reach affected tissue without damaging surrounding healthy cells. While his primary research focuses on pediatric brain cancer, **Wu** recognizes its potential for treating creatine deficiency.

Partnerships and Future Directions

“Through the partnership between Virginia Tech and Children’s National Hospital, I was able to present our work in focused ultrasound at the Children’s National Research & Innovation Campus,” **Wu** said. He added, he met **Dr. Seth Berger**, who introduced him to creatine transporter deficiency, leading to their collaborative exploration of focused ultrasound’s potential.

The Focused Ultrasound Foundation has recognized Virginia Tech and Children’s National as Centers of Excellence. **Chen**’s early work will focus on using focused ultrasound to deliver creatine across the blood-brain barrier, with the hope of restoring normal brain mass in models of creatine deficiency. “When **Fred** asked me, ‘Are you interested in this project?’ I said, ‘Yes, of course.’” said **Chen**.