Metal coordination of thymosin β4: Chemistry and possible implications

Thymosin beta 4 (T beta 4) was first isolated in the '60ies from calf thymus and was initially perceived as a thymic hormone with immunological effects on lymphocytes. It was then identified as a G-actin binding protein, featuring numerous functions in the human body including blood clothing, tissue regeneration, angiogenesis and tumor metastasis. T beta 4 is also involved in anti-inflammatory and neurodegenerative processes. The exact mechanisms of action of T beta 4 are still unknown, and the binding of the G-actin protein cannot itself explain the multi-activity of T beta 4. We hypothesize that the property of T beta 4 regulating the numerous physiological processes involving T beta 4, is its essential metal - binding ability. (C) 2019 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.