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Tan WKY, Purnamawati K, Pakkiri LS, Tan SH, Yang X, Chan MY, Drum CL. Sources of variability in quantifying circulating thymosin beta-4: literature review and recommendations. Expert Opin Biol Ther 2018; 18:141-147. [DOI: 10.1080/14712598.2018.1448382] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Warren K. Y. Tan
- NUS Graduate School for Integrative Sciences and Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore
- Cardiovascular Research Institute, National University Health System, Singapore
| | - Kristy Purnamawati
- Translational Laboratory in Genetic Medicine, Agency for Science, Technology and Research, Singapore
| | - Leroy S. Pakkiri
- Cardiovascular Research Institute, National University Health System, Singapore
| | - Sock Hwee Tan
- Cardiovascular Research Institute, National University Health System, Singapore
| | - Xiaoxun Yang
- Cardiovascular Research Institute, National University Health System, Singapore
| | - Mark Y. Chan
- Cardiovascular Research Institute, National University Health System, Singapore
| | - Chester L. Drum
- Cardiovascular Research Institute, National University Health System, Singapore
- Translational Laboratory in Genetic Medicine, Agency for Science, Technology and Research, Singapore
- Department of Surgery, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
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2
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Factor XIII Subunit A in the Skin: Applications in Diagnosis and Treatment. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2017; 2017:3571861. [PMID: 28894750 PMCID: PMC5574300 DOI: 10.1155/2017/3571861] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2017] [Revised: 04/26/2017] [Accepted: 06/21/2017] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
The role of factor XIII subunit A (FXIII-A) is not restricted to hemostasis. FXIII-A is also present intracellularly in several human cells and serves as a diagnostic marker in a wide range of dermatological diseases from inflammatory conditions to malignancies. In this review, we provide a guide on the still controversial interpretation of dermal cell types expressing FXIII-A and assess the previously described mechanisms behind their accumulation under physiological and pathological conditions of the human skin. We summarize the intracellular functions of FXIII-A as well as its possible sources in the extracellular space of the dermis with a focus on its relevance to skin homeostasis and disease pathogenesis. Finally, the potential role of FXIII-A in wound healing, as a field with long-term therapeutic implications, is also discussed.
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3
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Marks ED, Kumar A. Thymosin β4: Roles in Development, Repair, and Engineering of the Cardiovascular System. VITAMINS AND HORMONES 2016; 102:227-49. [PMID: 27450737 DOI: 10.1016/bs.vh.2016.04.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The burden of cardiovascular disease is a growing worldwide issue that demands attention. While many clinical trials are ongoing to test therapies for treating the heart after myocardial infarction (MI) and heart failure, there are few options doctors able to currently give patients to repair the heart. This eventually leads to decreased ventricular contractility and increased systemic disease, including vascular disorders that could result in stroke. Small peptides such as thymosin β4 (Tβ4) are upregulated in the cardiovascular niche during fetal development and after injuries such as MI, providing increased neovasculogenesis and paracrine signals for endogenous stem cell recruitment to aid in wound repair. New research is looking into the effects of in vivo administration of Tβ4 through injections and coatings on implants, as well as its effect on cell differentiation. Results so far demonstrate Tβ4 administration leads to robust increases in angiogenesis and wound healing in the heart after MI and the brain after stroke, and can differentiate adult stem cells toward the cardiac lineage for implantation to the heart to increase contractility and survival. Future work, some of which is currently in clinical trials, will demonstrate the in vivo effect of these therapies on human patients, with the goal of helping the millions of people worldwide affected by cardiovascular disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- E D Marks
- Nanomedicine Research Laboratory, University of Delaware, Newark, DE, United States
| | - A Kumar
- Nanomedicine Research Laboratory, University of Delaware, Newark, DE, United States.
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Stark CKJ, Tarkia M, Kentala R, Malmberg M, Vähäsilta T, Savo M, Hynninen VV, Helenius M, Ruohonen S, Jalkanen J, Taimen P, Alastalo TP, Saraste A, Knuuti J, Savunen T, Koskenvuo J. Systemic Dosing of Thymosin Beta 4 before and after Ischemia Does Not Attenuate Global Myocardial Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury in Pigs. Front Pharmacol 2016; 7:115. [PMID: 27199757 PMCID: PMC4853610 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2016.00115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2015] [Accepted: 04/18/2016] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The use of cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) and aortic cross-clamping causes myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury (I-RI) and can lead to reduced postoperative cardiac function. We investigated whether this injury could be attenuated by thymosin beta 4 (TB4), a peptide which has showed cardioprotective effects. Pigs received either TB4 or vehicle and underwent CPB and aortic cross-clamping for 60 min with cold intermittent blood-cardioplegia and were then followed for 30 h. Myocardial function and blood flow was studied by cardiac magnetic resonance and PET imaging. Tissue and plasma samples were analyzed to determine the amount of cardiomyocyte necrosis and apoptosis as well as pharmacokinetics of the peptide. In vitro studies were performed to assess its influence on blood coagulation and vasomotor tone. Serum levels of the peptide were increased after administration compared to control samples. TB4 did not decrease the amount of cell death. Cardiac function and global myocardial blood flow was similar between the study groups. At high doses a vasoconstrictor effect on mesentery arteries and a vasodilator effect on coronary arteries was observed and blood clot firmness was reduced when tested in the presence of an antiplatelet agent. Despite promising results in previous trials the cardioprotective effect of TB4 was not demonstrated in this model for global myocardial I-RI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christoffer K-J Stark
- Research Center of Applied and Preventive Cardiovascular Medicine, University of TurkuTurku, Finland; Heart Center, Turku University Hospital and University of TurkuTurku, Finland
| | - Miikka Tarkia
- Turku PET Centre, Turku University Hospital and University of Turku Turku, Finland
| | - Rasmus Kentala
- Research Center of Applied and Preventive Cardiovascular Medicine, University of Turku Turku, Finland
| | - Markus Malmberg
- Heart Center, Turku University Hospital and University of Turku Turku, Finland
| | - Tommi Vähäsilta
- Research Center of Applied and Preventive Cardiovascular Medicine, University of TurkuTurku, Finland; Heart Center, Turku University Hospital and University of TurkuTurku, Finland
| | - Matti Savo
- Research Center of Applied and Preventive Cardiovascular Medicine, University of Turku Turku, Finland
| | - Ville-Veikko Hynninen
- Department of Anesthesiology, Intensive Care, Emergency Care and Pain Medicine, Turku University Hospital Turku, Finland
| | - Mikko Helenius
- Children's Hospital, Pediatric Cardiology, Helsinki University Hospital Helsinki, Finland
| | - Saku Ruohonen
- Research Center of Applied and Preventive Cardiovascular Medicine, University of Turku Turku, Finland
| | - Juho Jalkanen
- Department of Vascular Surgery, Turku University Hospital and University of Turku Turku, Finland
| | - Pekka Taimen
- Department of Pathology, Turku University Hospital and University of Turku Turku, Finland
| | - Tero-Pekka Alastalo
- Children's Hospital, Pediatric Cardiology, Helsinki University Hospital Helsinki, Finland
| | - Antti Saraste
- Turku PET Centre, Turku University Hospital and University of Turku Turku, Finland
| | - Juhani Knuuti
- Turku PET Centre, Turku University Hospital and University of Turku Turku, Finland
| | - Timo Savunen
- Research Center of Applied and Preventive Cardiovascular Medicine, University of Turku Turku, Finland
| | - Juha Koskenvuo
- Research Center of Applied and Preventive Cardiovascular Medicine, University of Turku Turku, Finland
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App C, Knop J, Huff T, Sticht H, Hannappel E. Thymosin β4 and Tissue Transglutaminase. Molecular Characterization of Cyclic Thymosin β4. Protein J 2013; 32:484-92. [DOI: 10.1007/s10930-013-9507-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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Abstract
Thymosin beta(4) as well as the other members of the beta-thymosin family are important G-actin sequestering peptides. The chemical properties, the biosynthesis, and posttranslational modifications (PTMs) of these peptides are discussed. During biosynthesis of thymosin beta(4) the initiator methionine is removed and the N-terminus is acetylated. Research on proteomics revealed several acetylated lysine residues and two phosphorylated threonine residues. The enormous number of phosphorylable and acetylable sites in the human proteome raises the question about the biological significance of these PTMs in the context of beta-thymosins. Presently, this question cannot be answered because neither the concentration of these modified beta-thymosins in cells is known nor the consequences of the modifications on the biological function(s) of beta-thymosins have been studied yet. Thymosin beta(4) is also posttranslationally modified by transglutaminase forming covalent bonds with other molecules. Prolyl oligopeptidase generates ac-SDKP from thymosin beta(4). The concentration of C-terminal peptide fragments of thymosin beta(4) is elevated in the blood of patients with rheumatoid arthritis.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Hannappel
- Institute of Biochemistry, University of Erlangen-Nuremberg, Erlangen, Germany.
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Mannherz HG, Hannappel E. The beta-thymosins: intracellular and extracellular activities of a versatile actin binding protein family. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2009; 66:839-51. [PMID: 19405116 DOI: 10.1002/cm.20371] [Citation(s) in RCA: 94] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The beta-thymosins are N-terminally acetylated peptides of about 5 kDa molecular mass and composed of about 40-44 amino acid residues. The first member of the family, thymosin beta4, was initially isolated from thymosin fraction 5, prepared in five steps from calf thymus. Thymosin beta4 was supposed to be specifically produced and released by the thymic gland and to possess hormonal activities modulating the immune response. Various paracrine effects have indeed been reported for these peptides such as cardiac protection, angiogenesis, stimulation of wound healing, and hair growth. Besides these paracrine effects, it was noted that beta-thymosins occur in high concentration in the cytoplasm of many eukaryotic cells and bind to the cytoskeletal component actin. Subsequently it became apparent from in vitro experiments that they preferentially bind to monomeric (G-)actin and stabilize it in its monomeric form. Due to this ability the beta-thymosins are the main intracellular actin sequestering factor, i.e., they posses the ability to remove monomeric actin from the dynamic assembly and disassembly processes of the actin cytoskeleton that constantly occur in activated cells. In this review we will concentrate on the intracellular activity and localization of the beta-thymosins, i.e., their modulating effect on the actin cytoskeleton.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hans Georg Mannherz
- Department of Anatomy and Embryology, Ruhr-University, D-44780 Bochum, Germany.
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Plavina T, Hincapie M, Wakshull E, Subramanyam M, Hancock WS. Increased plasma concentrations of cytoskeletal and Ca2+-binding proteins and their peptides in psoriasis patients. Clin Chem 2008; 54:1805-14. [PMID: 18801941 DOI: 10.1373/clinchem.2008.103770] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The mechanisms underlying psoriatic pathogenesis are not fully understood and might be elucidated by identifying novel disease-related molecular markers, including autoantigens. METHODS We used 2 proteomic methods to analyze plasma samples from 20 psoriasis patients and 20 matched healthy donors. The first method focused on evaluating changes in glycoprotein concentrations and the plasma proteome, and the second method assessed endogenous proteolytic activity by analyzing the low molecular weight component of plasma. RESULTS The integrated proteomic and peptidomic analysis identified a number of proteins and their fragments present at different concentrations in the plasma of psoriasis patients and healthy donors. We used ELISA to independently verify the changes in the concentrations of several of these proteins. One intriguing finding, increased concentrations of cytoskeletal and actin-binding proteins and their peptides in psoriatic plasma, suggested disease-related cell leakage of these proteins and their increased proteolysis. Among the increased proteins and peptides were thymosin beta 4, talin 1, actin gamma, filamin, and profilin. Increased concentrations of Ca(2+)-binding proteins calgranulins A and B in psoriatic plasma were also observed, confirming previous reports, and appeared to be relevant to the increase of cytoskeletal components. Another notable change in psoriatic plasma was a striking decrease in fibrinogen fragments. CONCLUSIONS The identified increased concentrations of cytoskeletal proteins, their peptides, and calgranulins in psoriatic plasma, as well as the underlying altered protease activity, are proposed to be related to psoriasis pathogenesis.
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Ghosh M, Alves C, Tong Z, Tettey K, Konstantopoulos K, Stebe KJ. Multifunctional surfaces with discrete functionalized regions for biological applications. LANGMUIR : THE ACS JOURNAL OF SURFACES AND COLLOIDS 2008; 24:8134-42. [PMID: 18582132 PMCID: PMC2646758 DOI: 10.1021/la8006525] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/29/2008] [Revised: 05/08/2008] [Indexed: 05/02/2023]
Abstract
In this paper we describe a method for creating multifunctional glass surfaces presenting discrete patches of different proteins on an inert PEG-functionalized background. Microcontact printing is used to stamp the substrate with octadecyltrichlorosilane to define the active regions. The substrate is then back-filled with PEG-silane {[[2-methoxypoly(ethyleneoxy)]propyl]trimethoxysilane} to define passive regions. A microfluidics device is subsequently affixed to the substrate to deliver proteins to the active regions, with as many channels as there are proteins to be patterned. Examples of trifunctional surfaces are given which present three terminating functional groups, i.e., protein 1, protein 2, and PEG. These surfaces should be broadly useful in biological studies, as patch size is well established to influence cell viability, growth, and differentiation. Three examples of cellular interactions with the surfaces are demonstrated, including the capture of cells from a single cell suspension, the selective sorting of cells from a mixed suspension, and the adhesion of cells to ligand micropatches at critical shear stresses. Within these examples, we demonstrate that the patterned immobilized proteins are active, as they retain their ability to interact with either antibodies in solution or receptors presented by cells. When appropriate (e.g., for E-selectin), proteins are patterned in their physiological orientations using a sandwich immobilization technique, which is readily accommodated within our method. The protein surface densities are highly reproducible in the patches, as supported by fluorescence intensity measurements. Potential applications include biosensors based on the interaction of cells or of marker proteins with protein patches, fundamental studies of cell adhesion as a function of patch size and shear stress, and studies of cell differentiation as a function of surface cues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Moniraj Ghosh
- Department of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, 3400 North Charles Street, Baltimore, Maryland 21218
| | - Christina Alves
- Department of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, 3400 North Charles Street, Baltimore, Maryland 21218
| | - Ziqiu Tong
- Department of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, 3400 North Charles Street, Baltimore, Maryland 21218
| | - Kwadwo Tettey
- Department of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, 3400 North Charles Street, Baltimore, Maryland 21218
| | - Konstantinos Konstantopoulos
- Department of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, 3400 North Charles Street, Baltimore, Maryland 21218
| | - Kathleen J. Stebe
- To whom correspondence should be addressed. E-mail: (K.K.); (K.J.S.)
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Bodendorf S, Born G, Hannappel E. Determination of Thymosin beta4 and Protein in Human Wound Fluid after Abdominal Surgery. Ann N Y Acad Sci 2007; 1112:418-24. [PMID: 17495244 DOI: 10.1196/annals.1415.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
Wound fluids were collected up to 60 h after abdominal surgery. Immediately after obtaining the wound fluid by Robinson drainage, wound fluid was centrifuged to remove blood cells and inflammatory cells. The concentration of total protein as well as of thymosin beta(4) was determined in the cell-free supernatant solution. Total protein concentration decreased from about 50 g/L to 30 g/L within 60 h after surgery. After surgery we observed a concentration of up to 20 mg thymosin beta(4) per liter decreasing to about 1 mg/L with time. Neither thymosin beta(10) nor oxidized thymosin beta(4) was detected in human wound fluid.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Bodendorf
- Institute of Biochemistry, University Erlangen-Nuremberg, Fahrstr. 17, 91054 Erlangen, Germany
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11
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Abstract
The development of thymosin beta(4) from a thymic hormone to an actin-sequestering peptide and back to a cytokine supporting wound healing will be outlined. Thymosin fraction 5 consists of a mixture of polypeptides and improves immune response. Starting with fraction 5, several main peptides (thymosin alpha(1), polypeptide beta(1), and thymosin beta(4)) were isolated and tested for biological activity. However, none of the isolated peptides were really thymic hormones. They are all biological important peptides with diverse functions. Polypeptide beta(1) is identical to ubiquitin truncated by two C-terminal glycine residues. Several peptides related to thymosin beta(4) were isolated and sequenced from various species. Large amounts of thymosin beta(4) were found in many cells. It was postulated that the beta-thymosins might have a general function. The identification of a biological function of thymosin beta(4) was tedious. In 1990, Dan Safer and his colleagues recognized that thymosin beta(4) sequesters G-actin. The dissociation constant of the complex in the micromolar range allows for fast binding and release of G-actin. beta-Thymosins are the main intracellular G-actin-sequestering peptides in most vertebrate cells. Thymosin beta(4) is unstructured but folds into a stable conformation on binding to G-actin. It is present in the nucleus as well as the cytoplasm and might be responsible for sequestering nuclear actin. Several biological effects are attributed to thymosin beta(4), oxidized thymosin beta(4), or to ac-SDKP possibly generated from thymosin beta(4). However, very little is known about molecular mechanisms mediating the effects attributed to extracellular beta-thymosins.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Hannappel
- Institute of Biochemistry, University of Erlangen-Nuremberg Fahrstr. 17, 91054 Erlangen, Germany.
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Park R, Doh HJ, An SSA, Choi JR, Chung KH, Song KS. A novel fibrinogen variant (fibrinogen Seoul II; AαGln328Pro) characterized by impaired fibrin α-chain cross-linking. Blood 2006; 108:1919-24. [PMID: 16735602 DOI: 10.1182/blood-2005-11-007591] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
AbstractWe report a novel fibrinogen variant (fibrinogen Seoul II), which has a heterozygous point mutation from CAA to CCA leading to AαGln328Pro. The mutation site is among several glutamine residues that serve as α-chain cross-linking acceptor sites. Fibrinogen Seoul II was found in a 51-year-old male patient and his family in Seoul, Korea. The patient was diagnosed with myocardial infarction at age 43. Eight years later he was admitted to the emergency room due to recurrence of the disease, where he expired under treatment with tissue plasminogen activator (t-PA). Fibrin polymerization curves, made using purified fibrinogen from the patient's relatives, showed a decreased final turbidity, suggesting Seoul II fibrin clots are composed of thinner fibers. This supposition was verified using scanning electron microscopy. Alpha-polymer formation by the mutant fibrinogen upon thrombin treatment in the presence of factor XIII and calcium was distinctly impaired. This result confirms that the residue Aα328 plays a pivotal role in α-chain cross-linking.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rojin Park
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Yongdong Severance Hospital, 146-92 Dogok-Dong, Kangnam-Gu, Seoul 135-720, Republic of Korea
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