Overview
TB-500 is a synthetic fragment of thymosin β-4 (Tβ4), a 43-residue actin-binding protein expressed in nearly every mammalian cell type. The fragment retains the actin-sequestering motif that gives Tβ4 its repair-associated activity.
Mechanism
Tβ4 sequesters G-actin monomers and modulates actin polymerization, which downstream supports cell migration and the angiogenic response. Preclinical models report increased endothelial cell migration, upregulation of laminin-5, and accelerated dermal and corneal repair.
Notes for the lab
Lyophilized TB-500 is reconstituted in bacteriostatic water and aliquoted to avoid freeze-thaw degradation. Most published rodent protocols dose by body weight; consult the original references when designing comparison studies.