TB-500 and Thymosin Beta-4: What Researchers Should Know Before Ordering
TB-500 is one of the most searched research peptides and also one of the most loosely described. The name refers to a synthetic peptide based on the sequence of thymosin beta-4, a protein found in most cell types. This guide explains how the two relate, what the preclinical literature covers and what to check before ordering.
Key Facts
- Type: Synthetic peptide based on the sequence of thymosin beta-4 (Tβ4)
- Sequence: Tβ4 has 43 amino acids; the fragment most often sold as TB-500 is Ac-LKKTETQ (residues 17–23)
- Molecular formula: C212H350N56O78S (Tβ4); C38H68N10O14 (Ac-LKKTETQ)
- Molecular mass: about 4,963.4 Da (Tβ4); about 889.0 Da (Ac-LKKTETQ)
- CAS number: 77591-33-4 (Tβ4); 885340-08-9 (Ac-LKKTETQ)
- Supplied as: lyophilised powder in a sealed vial
Thymosin Beta-4 and TB-500
Thymosin beta-4 is a protein of 43 amino acids with a molecular weight of about 4.9 kDa. Its best-described role in the cell is binding actin monomers, which makes it a regulator of the cytoskeleton. TB-500 is a synthetic fragment based on that sequence. Because the name is used for more than one sequence on the market, the Certificate of Analysis is what tells you exactly which one a vial contains.
What the Preclinical Literature Covers
Published work is in cell cultures and animal models. The main topics are:
- Actin binding and cytoskeleton organisation
- Cell migration in culture
- Angiogenesis models
- Tissue models in rodents
These are laboratory findings. CellMind supplies TB-500 strictly for research purposes, not for human consumption.
How Purity and Identity Are Verified
For TB-500, identity matters as much as purity. Mass spectrometry confirms the molecular weight and therefore the sequence; HPLC shows how much of the material is that sequence. Both results belong on a batch-specific Certificate of Analysis. For how to read one, see What Is a CoA and Why Is It the Only Real Proof of Peptide Purity.
Checklist Before You Buy TB-500
- A CoA for the specific batch
- The sequence or molecular weight stated on the report
- HPLC purity stated as a number, above 99%
- The amount per vial stated clearly (10 mg)
- A batch number on the vial that matches the report
Common Questions About TB-500
Is TB-500 the same as thymosin beta-4?
Not necessarily. Thymosin beta-4 is the full protein of 43 amino acids (about 4,963.4 Da). The name TB-500 is also used for a short synthetic fragment, Ac-LKKTETQ (about 889.0 Da).
How can I tell which sequence a vial contains?
By the molecular mass on the report: about 4,963.4 Da points to full-length thymosin beta-4, about 889.0 Da to the fragment. The CoA should state the sequence or the mass.
Storage and Handling
Keep lyophilised vials in a cool, dark place. Once reconstituted, the solution should be refrigerated and used within the planned research window. Avoid repeated temperature changes: they are the most common cause of degradation that nobody notices until results stop matching.
CellMind TB-500 10mg
- 10 mg lyophilised powder per vial, sealed under inert conditions
- HPLC-tested above 99% purity by Janoshik Analytical
- Batch-specific CoA with every order
- Frequently studied alongside BPC-157 in tissue research protocols
Product page: TB-500 10mg. Reports for current batches: Lab Reports and CoA.
Sources
- Low T.L.K., Hu S.-K., Goldstein A.L. PNAS. 1981;78(2):1162–1166.
- Esposito S. et al. Drug Testing and Analysis. 2012;4(9):733–738.
Research purposes only.