THYMOSIN BETA4 HUMAN

General description

Thymosin-β4 is a small, actin-sequestering protein belonging to the thymosin-β family that is found at high concentrations within the spleen, thymus, and peritoneal macrophages, where it is most notably responsible for the organization of cytoskeletal structure. Commonly found at significant quantities within the brain, lungs, liver, kidneys, testes, and heart, Thymosin-β4 has also been shown to be synthesized by cells unrelated to the reticuloendothelial system, such as myoblasts and fibroblasts, and expressed at irregular levels by several hemopoietic cell lines, malignant lymphoid cells and myeloma cells. The gene is mapped to human chromosome Xq21-22. Recombinant Human Thymosin-β4 is a 5.2kDa glycoprotein containing 45 amino acid residues.

Biochem/physiol Actions

In mammalian tissues, thymosin-β4 protein acts as a modulator for the polymerization/depolymerization of actin through the formation of a 1:1 complex with the monomer G (globular)-actin, and inhibits actin′s polymerization to form F (filamentous) actin, which together with other proteins binds microfilaments to construct the cytoskeleton. In addition to regulating actin polymerization, research has also found thymosin-β4 to stimulate the secretion of hypothalamic luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone and luteinizing hormone, inhibit the migration of peritoneal macrophages, induce phenotypic changes in T cell lines during early host defense mechanisms, and inhibit the progression of hematopoietic pluripotent stem cells into the S-phase. It also enhances angiogenesis, endothelial cell migration and adhesion and tubule formation. Thymosin-β4 also participates in wound healing by reducing inflammation and by exhibiting anti-fibrotic effects. It also controls the migration of cancer cells.

Physical form

Lyophilized with no additives.

Reconstitution

Centrifuge the vial prior to opening. Reconstitute in water to a concentration of 0.1-1.0 mg/ml. Do not vortex. This solution can be stored at 2-8 °C for up to 1 week. For extended storage, it is recommended to further dilute in a buffer containing a carrier protein (example 0.1% BSA) and store in working aliquots at -20 °C to -80 °C.