What is TB-500?

TB-500 is a synthetic peptide derived from thymosin beta-4 (Tβ4), a protein found in almost every cell in the body. Researchers study it mainly because it binds actin, a building block of the cytoskeleton. Here you can read what TB-500 is, where it comes from and how to work with it in the lab.

TB-500 at a glance

Thymosin beta-4 is a 43-amino-acid protein present in high concentrations in platelets and white blood cells, among others. TB-500 is the common name for a synthetic version of (the active part of) this protein as used in research.

The actin-binding part of Tβ4 lies around the sequence LKKTETQ. That short motif is why thymosin beta-4 gets so much attention in research on cell movement.

  • Derived from: thymosin beta-4 (Tβ4)
  • Natural protein: 43 amino acids, about 4.9 kDa
  • Actin-binding motif: Leu-Lys-Lys-Thr-Glu-Thr-Gln (LKKTETQ)
  • Form: white lyophilized powder

Origin: from the thymus to the cytoskeleton

Thymosins were first isolated from the thymus, hence the name. Thymosin beta-4 was later found in nearly all tissues, where it mainly helps regulate actin.

Actin forms long filaments that shape cells and let them move. Tβ4 binds free actin molecules (G-actin) and so influences how much actin is available to build filaments. That makes it a useful model compound for research on cell migration.

Research areas

Thymosin beta-4 and TB-500 are studied in these preclinical models, among others:

  • Actin dynamics and cell migration in cell culture
  • Wound models in animals
  • Angiogenesis: the formation of new blood vessels
  • Heart and tissue models in animals
  • Inflammatory processes in in-vitro models

TB-500 and BPC-157

TB-500 and BPC-157 are often named together, but they differ greatly in size, origin and mechanism. Our BPC-157 vs TB-500 comparison sets out the differences.

Virexa Labs also offers TB-500 in the Wolverine Blend (TB-500 + BPC-157) and in the Glow 70 and Glow 80 blends.

Status, storage and quality

TB-500 is not approved as a medicine and is on the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) prohibited list.

Store lyophilized TB-500 at −20 °C, dry and protected from light. Reconstitute with bacteriostatic water, swirl gently and keep the solution at 2–8 °C.

Every batch of TB-500 from Virexa Labs is tested by HPLC for ≥99% purity and by mass spectrometry for identity; the COA is on the product page. TB-500 is intended solely for laboratory research and not for human or veterinary use.

Products

Frequently asked questions

What does TB-500 stand for?

TB refers to thymosin beta-4, the protein TB-500 is derived from. The number 500 is a trade designation, not a chemical property.

Is TB-500 the same as thymosin beta-4?

TB-500 is a synthetic peptide based on thymosin beta-4. The names are often used interchangeably in research, but thymosin beta-4 is the natural 43-amino-acid protein.

What does thymosin beta-4 do in the cell?

It binds free actin molecules and so helps regulate how much actin is available for the cytoskeleton, which is why it is studied in research on cell movement.

Is TB-500 intended for human use?

No. TB-500 from Virexa Labs is intended solely for laboratory research and not for human or veterinary consumption.

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