Thymosin beta4: actin-sequestering protein moonlights to repair injured tissues.
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.
Goldstein
Allan L
AL
Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, 2300 I. Street, NW, Washington, DC 20037, USA. bcmalg@gwumc.edu
Hannappel
Ewald
E
Kleinman
Hynda K
HK
D000199:Actins / Q000378:metabolism*; D000595:Amino Acid Sequence; D000818:Animals; D006801:Humans; D008969:Molecular Sequence Data; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000378:metabolism; D013947:Thymosin / Q000737:chemistry / Q000378:metabolism*; D014945:Wound Healing / Q000502:physiology*; D000099201:Thymosin beta(4)
D000199:Actins; D013947:Thymosin; D000099201:Thymosin beta(4)