Research Compound TB-500

Research Compound TB-500 is a laboratory material for analytical and in vitro work, available as a lyophilised vial or a research dispenser.

What is TB-500?

TB-500 is a commercial designation for research materials related to thymosin beta-4 (Tβ4). Native Tβ4 is a 43-amino-acid peptide with a molecular weight of approximately 4.9 kDa and one of the most abundant intracellular peptides in many cell types. Both the full sequence and shorter synthetic fragments, such as the 17–23 region (LKKTETQ) associated with actin binding, are sold under the TB-500 name, so the declared identity should always be checked in the batch specification.

Research background

Thymosin beta-4 was originally described in studies of thymic extracts in the 1980s and was later recognised as the main protein that sequesters monomeric G-actin in cells. It has since been studied in models of cell migration, angiogenesis and tissue remodelling, including dermal and cardiovascular animal models.

Mechanism and scientific context

Tβ4 sequesters G-actin and thereby influences the balance between monomeric and polymerised actin, which underlies cell motility. In experimental models it is also associated with angiogenic signalling, progenitor cell differentiation and modulation of inflammatory mediators. Data for native Tβ4 cannot automatically be attributed to every material labelled TB-500.

Main research areas

• actin and cytoskeletal dynamics
• cell migration and adhesion
• angiogenesis and endothelial models
• dermal and epithelial models
• cardiovascular animal models

Level of evidence

Predominantly preclinical. For native Tβ4 there is extensive cellular and animal literature and a limited number of clinical trials of specific preparations; for materials labelled TB-500 there are no quality clinical data.

Related research materials

TB-500 is frequently discussed alongside BPC-157 and is also available as BPC-157 / TB-500 Mix and as a component of GLOW and KLOW.

Research use only: for laboratory, analytical and in vitro research only; not for use in humans or animals. Guidance on batch documentation is available in our COA guide.