Thymosin beta4: actin-sequestering protein moonlights to repair injured tissues

Trends Mol Med. 2005 Sep;11(9):421-9. doi: 10.1016/j.molmed.2005.07.004.

Abstract

Here, we review the biochemical and molecular properties of thymosin beta(4) (Tbeta(4)), the major actin-sequestering molecule in eukaryotic cells, and its key role in dermal- and corneal-wound healing. Tbeta(4) has several, novel, potential clinical applications in the repair and remodeling of ulcerated tissues and solid organs following hypoxic injuries, such as myocardial infarction and stroke. It might also have important repair functions in the pathophysiologic sequelae that are associated with actin toxicity and with septic shock, such as respiratory distress syndrome, multi-organ failure and severe tissue trauma.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Actins / metabolism*
  • Amino Acid Sequence
  • Animals
  • Humans
  • Molecular Sequence Data
  • Neoplasms / metabolism
  • Thymosin / chemistry
  • Thymosin / metabolism*
  • Wound Healing / physiology*

Substances

  • Actins
  • thymosin beta(4)
  • Thymosin