Advances in the basic and clinical applications of thyrnosin β4

Introduction: Thymosin beta(4) (T beta(4)), a multifunctional peptide, has been used successfully in several clinical trials involving tissue repair and regeneration. The review will first update the current information on the common underlying cellular cascades and pathways that are basic to Till's regenerative activity and second, on the current and potential uses of this protein in the clinic. Areas covered: Significant advances in our understanding of the actions of T beta(4) have occurred in directing stem cell maturation and in regeneration and repair of injuries. Many of its activities directly affect the repair cascade following injury. Using PubMed, we summarize the discovery and isolation of T beta(4) as well as the studies on tissue repair, which have provided the scientific foundation for ongoing and projected trials in the treatment of eye injuries, dermal wounds, repair of the heart following myocardial infarction and healing of the brain following stroke, trauma or neurological diseases. Expert opinion: Based on its multifunctional activities during tissue regeneration in various animal studies, T beta(4) has the potential for new clinical applications such kidney and liver disease, as well as repair of spinal cord, bone and ligament damage. In addition, it may be useful in the treatment of a wide range of other applications, including the consequences of aging and viral infections.