Thymosins

The Thymosins are a group of proteins that are characterized by their isoelectric point.

The most important thing for humans thymosin thymosin β4 ( Tβ4 ). First described it in 1966 by Goldstein and White, the complete amino acid sequence and genetic characterization followed in 1981 in the laboratory of Ewald Hannappel in Erlangen and Allan Goldstein in Washington.

Functions

Is expressed ubiquitously in the body Tβ4 with the exception of red blood cells. Rich in protein consisting of 43 amino acids are the leukocytes, mostly macrophages and platelets.

Within the cell, bind to Tβ4 the monomeric G- actin and prevents the opponent profilin polymerization of this microfilament. These regulatory processes play an important role in migration processes of cells associated with changes in the cytoskeleton ( Leukodiapedese, platelet activation). In the nucleus, Tβ4 acts as a transcription factor. In the extracellular space, it has an inhibitory effect on the immune response and prevents the migration of macrophages in inflammatory tissues. Fibrin monomers are stored together in blood coagulation by factor XIIIa ( transglutaminase ) with assistance of Tβ4 to fibrin polymers.

It could be shown that Tβ4 administration increased the survival rate of mice significantly with septic shock. Also NaOH -induced burns of the cornea of experimental animals healed under Tβ4 administration with less scarring and thus less opacity of the lens from. Also accelerate wound healing, such as Tβ4 and hair growth. Under the administration of glucocorticoids ( cortisol), expression of Tβ4 increases in monocytes of mice. This could miterklären the immunosuppressive effects of glucocorticoids. The effect of thymosin on human monocytes is currently being studied electrophysiologically at the University of Marburg. It might be in the future as a new drug in inflammatory processes and replace the side effects ranging glucocorticoids partially.