TB-500 (Thymosin Beta-4 Fragment)

Daniel Attalla
Nov 2
3 min read

Updated: Nov 13

Overview

TB-500 is a synthetic peptide fragment derived from thymosin beta-4 (Tβ4), a naturally occurring 43-amino-acid protein found in most tissues and cell types. This peptide fragment was developed to study the regenerative and tissue-healing properties attributed to the parent protein. Research surrounding TB-500 has primarily focused on wound repair, angiogenesis, inflammation modulation, and cellular migration.

Mechanism of Action (Research Context)

Research suggests that TB-500 exerts its biological activity through the regulation of actin polymerization—a critical process in cell motility and tissue remodeling. It enhances keratinocyte and endothelial cell migration, promotes angiogenesis, and aids in cytoskeletal reorganization. Studies have demonstrated its role in upregulating vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expression and modulating inflammation through cytokine pathways.

Potential Research Benefits

• Accelerated wound healing and tissue regeneration in pre-clinical studies• Enhanced angiogenesis and blood vessel formation• Reduced inflammatory response and fibrosis• Improved recovery outcomes in muscle, tendon, and ligament injury models• Investigated for potential cardiac repair properties following ischemic damage

Chemical / Physical Information

• Sequence: Ac-Ser-Asp-Lys-Pro-Asp-Met-Ala-Glu-Ile-Glu-Lys-Phe-Asp-Lys-Ser-Lys-Leu-Lys-Lys-Thr-Glu-Thr-Lys-Leu-Lys-Glu-Val-Thr-Asp• Molecular Weight: Approximately 4964 Da• Solubility: Soluble in sterile water or aqueous buffers• Storage: Lyophilized powder should be stored at -20°C; reconstituted solutions should be aliquoted and frozen to avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles

Regulatory & Compliance Notes

TB-500 is not approved for therapeutic or medical use by any major regulatory authority. It is intended for research and laboratory investigation only. Procurement, handling, and storage should comply with institutional and legal requirements governing research chemicals.

References

1. Huff T. et al., J Biol Chem. (2001). The role of thymosin beta-4 in actin binding and cell motility.2. Malinda K.M. et al., J Invest Dermatol. (1999). Thymosin beta-4 accelerates wound healing.3. Sosne G. et al., Exp Eye Res. (2002). Anti-inflammatory properties of thymosin beta-4.4. Philp D. et al., Ann N Y Acad Sci. (2012). Angiogenesis and cardiac repair mechanisms of thymosin beta-4.

Disclaimer

This content is intended for research and educational purposes only. TB-500 is not approved for human or veterinary use. All studies and experimental work involving TB-500 should be conducted in compliance with applicable regulations, ethical standards, and laboratory safety protocols.

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Selected References

PMID: 18583549 — Thymosin β4–mediated tissue repair and regeneration

PMID: 19189304 — Actin-sequestering peptides in wound healing

PMID: 21440617 — Thymosin β4 pathways in angiogenesis and cellular migration

PMID: 24513106 — Peptide-driven repair mechanisms in musculoskeletal injury

Frontiers in Pharmacology — Regenerative peptides and cytoskeletal modulation

Journal of Peptide Science — Thymosin-derived peptides in tissue recovery

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is TB-500?A1: TB-500 is a synthetic version of a portion of thymosin beta-4 (Tβ4), studied for its potential roles in cellular migration, tissue repair, and actin regulation in research environments.

Q2: How does TB-500 work in research?A2: Research suggests TB-500 interacts with actin-binding pathways, influencing cell movement, angiogenesis, and regeneration markers in experimental models.

Q3: Is TB-500 approved for human or medical use?A3: No. TB-500 discussed here is a research-only compound and is not approved for therapeutic or consumer use.

Q4: What are researchers studying TB-500 for?A4: Studies explore TB-500 in contexts such as soft tissue repair, inflammation balance, angiogenesis, and cellular migration dynamics.

Q5: How is TB-500 different from full Thymosin Beta-4?A5: TB-500 is a shorter synthetic fragment containing the active region associated with actin modulation, while Tβ4 is a naturally occurring, full-length 43–amino acid peptide.

Q6: How is TB-500 evaluated in research settings?A6: TB-500 is assessed through in vitro assays and animal studies monitoring tissue regeneration, actin expression patterns, and inflammatory markers.

Q7: Are there known side effects in TB-500 studies?A7: Published preclinical data show generally favorable tolerability, but long-term safety profiles are not established.

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