Virginia Tech’s Fralin Biomedical Research Institute is at the forefront of a groundbreaking study exploring the use of ultrasound to deliver creatine directly to the brains of children with deficiency disorders. This innovative approach aims to address conditions that can hinder speech, memory, and learning in affected children.
The research team, led by assistant professor Cheng-Chia “Fred” Wu, is pioneering the use of focused ultrasound to bypass the blood-brain barrier and facilitate the delivery of creatine to brain tissue. This method holds promise for enhancing cellular energy production and neurotransmitter regulation critical for both muscle and brain function.
While traditional oral supplements have shown benefits for muscle mass in patients with creatine deficiency, they often fall short in addressing neurological symptoms due to creatine’s limited ability to cross the blood-brain barrier. By leveraging therapeutic focused ultrasound, Wu’s team aims to enable creatine to reach the brain without causing harm to surrounding cells.
Supported by a grant from the Association for Creatine Deficiencies, the project builds on Wu’s prior work in utilizing ultrasound to enhance drug delivery for pediatric brain cancer. Through collaboration with Dr. Seth Berger of Children’s National Hospital, the team identified the potential of applying this technique to treat creatine deficiency in children.
Virginia Tech and Children’s National, recognized as Centers of Excellence by the Focused Ultrasound Foundation, are jointly driving early-stage translational research that bridges laboratory investigations with clinical applications. This collaborative effort underscores a commitment to advancing medical interventions that have the potential to transform patient outcomes.
Chin-Yi Chen, a key researcher on the project, expresses enthusiasm about the shift from basic research to a project with tangible patient impact. The team’s initial focus is on verifying the successful delivery of creatine across the blood-brain barrier in laboratory models and assessing its potential to restore normal brain function.
Ultrasound-based delivery of creatine has emerged as a promising avenue for addressing deficiency disorders in children, offering new possibilities for enhancing brain health and cognitive function. The intersection of cutting-edge technology and medical research holds the potential to revolutionize treatment approaches and improve the quality of life for individuals with neurological conditions.
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