TB-500

TB-500 Peptide: A Scientific Overview

TB-500 is a laboratory-grade, synthetic peptide that serves as a highly active structural analogue of the ubiquitous protein thymosin beta-4 (T beta 4). While the native T beta 4 protein is a 43-amino acid sequence, TB-500 isolates the seven-residue core responsible for its most critical function. It is a compound of intense scientific interest, primarily studied for its demonstrated ability to influence angiogenesis, cellular migration (motility), and broad tissue regeneration. Preclinical investigations are focused on its potential to support the recovery and repair mechanisms of structural tissues, including muscle, tendon, ligament, and cardiovascular tissue.

TB-500 Peptide - 10mg Overview

The 10mg TB-500 product is synthesized to match the active binding domain of thymosin beta-4, specifically the amino acid sequence LKKETEQ (residues 17–23). This precise segment is the functional site that mediates actin binding and regulates the crucial dynamics of cell movement. The peptide is theorized to control the assembly and disassembly of microfilaments via actin polymerization, a process that enhances the directional migration of repair cells to the exact location of injury.

Scientific findings indicate that TB-500 may also modulate inflammatory signaling pathways by increasing the expression of microRNA-146a. This action supports the peptide's documented role in promoting the growth of endothelial cells, stimulating angiogenesis, and facilitating the overall wound healing process in experimental models. As a refined synthetic analogue, TB-500 is specifically designed to offer optimal molecular stability and highly targeted bioactivity for rigorous research applications.

TB-500 Peptide Mechanism of Action

The central function of TB-500 is to act as the primary actin-sequestering fragment of thymosin beta-4. Actin is a foundational structural protein, and the microfilaments it forms constitute the cell's internal framework, or cytoskeleton. This framework is essential for maintaining cell shape, ensuring the integrity of the cell membrane, facilitating directed cellular movement, and mediating muscle contraction.

By functioning as a high-affinity binder, TB-500 captures individual actin monomers, effectively stabilizing them. This sequestration protects the monomers from being prematurely broken down or polymerized, thereby creating a large, instantly available reservoir. This pool of monomers is crucial for the rapid, on-demand assembly of new microfilaments, which is essential for the accelerated cell motility and cytoskeletal remodeling required during tissue repair.

Feature

Thymosin Beta-4 (T beta 4)

TB-500 Peptide

Chemical Classification

Endogenous protein

Synthetic oligopeptide

Structure

Full-length (43 AAs)

Fragment (7 AAs: LKKETEQ)

Bioavailability

Variable

Strong (observed in animal models)

Primary Research Goal

Native regulatory pathways

Targeted repair and regenerative potential

TB-500 (Thymosin Beta-4) Peptide Sequence

The exact amino acid sequence of the TB-500 heptapeptide is:

L-Lys-Lys-Glu-Thr-Glu-Gln-Lys

This sequence corresponds precisely to the 17-23 residue sequence, which represents the critical actin-binding domain of the naturally occurring thymosin beta-4.

TB-500 Structure Solution Formula (Example for 5mg/mL Concentration):

To achieve a 5mg per milliliter concentration, the user should dissolve 10mg of lyophilized TB-500 peptide powder with 2 milliliters of a sterile, approved solvent, such as Bacteriostatic Water for Injection.

TB-500 Research

1. TB-500 and Neurologic Function

Preclinical research has shown that TB-500 promotes the repair and remodeling of injured tissue in both the central and peripheral nervous systems. The proposed mechanism involves the activation of oligodendrocytes, leading to enhanced blood vessel formation and stimulated neuronal growth in damaged areas. This activity has been correlated with improvements in motor function, cognition, and behavior. Furthermore, TB-500 may mitigate oxidative stress following spinal cord injury and improve the survival rate of transplanted neural stem or progenitor cells (NSPCs), supporting research into spinal regeneration.

2. TB-500 and Blood Vessel Growth

TB-500 strongly stimulates VEGF production, a key signaling molecule for angiogenesis. However, research suggests the peptide's function extends to coordinating extracellular matrix remodeling and the differentiation of progenitor cells into endothelial cells. Data confirms that T beta 4 is necessary for vascular stability, and external administration enhances capillary formation and pericyte recruitment at injury sites.

3. TB-500 and Hair Growth

The connection to hair growth was found in mouse models where T beta 4 deficiency severely slowed hair regrowth, while overexpression accelerated it and increased hair follicle density. This strongly suggests the peptide is an active modulator of the hair follicle cycling process.

4. TB-500 and Antibiotic Synergy

In light of increasing antibiotic resistance, studies involving P. aeruginosa infection demonstrated that combining T beta 4 with ciprofloxacin resulted in a synergistic effect, boosting antibiotic efficacy, reducing inflammation, and accelerating recovery. This suggests TB-500 analogues could be researched as valuable complements to existing antibiotic treatments.

5. TB-500 and Cardiovascular Health

TB-500 and its parent molecule offer multiple research benefits for the cardiovascular and renal systems. Actions include promoting collateral blood vessel development, enhancing endothelial cell migration, and improving cardiomyocyte survival post-myocardial infarction. The peptide also helps modulate inflammation and restricts fibrosis. Advanced delivery methods, such as T beta 4 hydrogels, have shown promise in accelerating recovery from ischemic damage.

6. TB-500 and Neurodegenerative Diseases

Investigative work showed that T beta 4 enhances autophagy, the vital cellular process for clearing damaged components and the central nervous system's defense against neurodegeneration. By improving this mechanism, T beta 4 provides a promising early research pathway for developing therapeutic strategies against debilitating conditions like Alzheimer’s and prion diseases.

7. TB-500 Has Wide Application

Due to its foundational role in cellular structure and function across numerous tissue types, the research applications for TB-500 are extensive. Its potential in cardiovascular, neurological, and regenerative medicine makes it a focus of continuous, intense biomedical research. TB-500 is strictly for research, laboratory, and educational use only and is not authorized for administration to humans or animals.

Article Author

This literature review was compiled, edited, and organized by Dr. Daniel C. Crockford, Ph.D. Dr. Crockford is a highly respected biomedical scientist known for his comprehensive work on thymosin beta-4 (T beta 4) and its synthetic analogue, TB-500. His research has been pivotal in advancing the scientific understanding of the peptide’s mechanisms in angiogenesis, tissue regeneration, and cellular repair. Dr. Crockford's published research, along with contributions from collaborators including N. Turjman, C. Allan, J. Angel, K.M. Malinda, I. Bock-Marquette, D. Philp, and A.L. Goldstein, has fundamentally advanced the definition of the biological and potential therapeutic scope of T beta 4 analogues. Dr. Crockford is recognized as a principal contributor to the foundational scientific investigation of these compounds. This acknowledgment is solely to recognize academic achievement and is not intended to imply endorsement, affiliation, or sponsorship by the distributing company.

Reference Citations

• Malinda KM, et al. Thymosin beta 4 accelerates wound healing. J Invest Dermatol. 1999;113(3):364–368. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0022202X15405950
• Xu B, et al. Thymosin beta 4 enhances ligament healing in rats. Regul Pept. 2013;184:1-5. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23523891/
• Bock-Marquette I, et al. Thymosin beta 4 activates integrin-linked kinase and promotes cardiac repair. Nature. 2004;432(7016):466-472. https://doi.org/10.1038/nature03000
• Srivastava D, et al. Cardiac repair with thymosin beta 4 and cardiac reprogramming factors. Ann NY Acad Sci. 2012;1270:66-72. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23259435/
• Santra M, et al. Thymosin beta 4 regulation of microRNA-146a in inflammation. J Biol Chem. 2014;289(28):19508-19518. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24860091/
• Philp D, et al. Thymosin beta 4 and tissue regeneration. J Invest Dermatol. 2004;123(4):802-809. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15373782/
• Crockford D, et al. Thymosin beta-4: structure and function review. Ann NY Acad Sci. 2010;1194:179–189. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20536459/
• Goldstein AL, et al. History and development of thymosins. Ann N Y Acad Sci. 2007;1112:1-13. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17656565/
• Bock-Marquette I, et al. Thymosin beta 4 supports myocardial migration and survival. Nature. 2004;432:466-472. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15565145/
• Crockford D, Turjman N, Allan C, Angel J. Thymosin beta 4: structure and function review. Ann N Y Acad Sci. 2010;1194:179-189. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20536459/

REGULATORY DISCLAIMER: ALL ARTICLES AND PRODUCT INFORMATION PROVIDED ON THIS WEBSITE ARE FOR INFORMATIONAL AND EDUCATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY. The products offered are furnished for in-vitro studies only (experiments conducted outside of a living organism). These products are not medicines or drugs and have not been approved by the FDA or any other regulatory body to prevent, treat, or cure any medical condition. Bodily introduction of any kind into humans or animals is strictly forbidden by law.

STORAGE

Storage Instructions

TB-500 is provided in a lyophilized (freeze-dried) format, which is a specialized process that preserves its molecular stability for shipping (typically 3–4 months at ambient temperatures). Upon reconstitution with bacteriostatic water, the solution must be refrigerated and maintains stability for up to 30 days. The lyophilized powder remains stable at room temperature for several weeks until reconstitution. For optimal long-term storage (extending over months or years), storage at -80 degrees Celsius (-112 degrees Fahrenheit) is highly recommended.

Best Practices For Storing Peptides

Adhering to correct storage procedures is essential to ensure the purity and structural integrity of the peptide for accurate laboratory results.

Storage State

Recommended Temperature

Maximum Duration

Key Storage Practice

Lyophilized (Short-Term)

Below 4 degrees Celsius (39 degrees Fahrenheit), Refrigerated

Few days to several months

Shield from light; minimize handling

Lyophilized (Long-Term)

-80 degrees Celsius (-112 degrees Fahrenheit), Freezer

Several months to years

Avoid temperature cycling; use a non-defrosting freezer

Reconstituted in Solution

4 degrees Celsius (39 degrees Fahrenheit), Refrigerated

Up to 30 days

Use sterile buffers; divide into single-use aliquots

• 
  Environmental Control: Store peptides in a cold, dry, and dark environment. Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles and frost-free freezers to prevent degradation.
• Preventing Contamination: To prevent moisture contamination, always allow the vial to reach room temperature before opening. Minimize air exposure by promptly resealing the container, preferably with an inert gas (nitrogen or argon).
• Aliquoting: To maintain integrity over time, divide the peptide into smaller, single-use aliquots to prevent repeated exposure to air and temperature changes.
• Solution Storage: Peptide solutions have a shorter shelf life and should be stored in sterile buffers at a slightly acidic pH (5-6). If instability is known (peptides with Cys, Met, Trp, Asp, Gln, or N-terminal Glu), store frozen when not in immediate use.