Thymosin β4 released from functionalized self-assembling peptide activates epicardium and enhances repair of infarcted myocardium.

Wang YL, Yu SN, Shen HR, Wang HJ, Wu XP, Wang QL, Zhou B, Tan YZ

Theranostics20 Feb 2021Cited by 25 (Europe PMC)

PMID33754060PMCIDPMC7977468DOI10.7150/thno.52309PepBankPUB-33754060

Summary

The epicardium plays an important role in cardiomyogenesis during development, while it becomes quiescent in adult heart during homeostasis. This study investigates the efficiency of thymosin β4 (Tβ4) release with RPRHQGVM conjugated to the C-terminus of RADA16-I (RADA-RPR), the functionalized self-assembling peptide (SAP), to activate the epicardium and repairing the infarcted myocardium. Methods: The functionalized SAP was constituted with self-assembling motif, Tβ4-binding site, and cell adhesive ligand. Myocardial infarction (MI) models of the transgenic mice were established by ligation of the left anterior descending coronary artery. At one week after intramyocardial injection of Tβ4-conjugated SAP, the activation of the epicardium was assessed. At four weeks after implantation, the migration and differentiation of epicardium-derived cells (EPDCs) as well as angiogenesis, lymphangiogenesis and myocardial regeneration were examined. Results: We found that the designer RADA-RPR bound Tβ4 and adhered to EPDCs and that Tβ4 released from the functionalized SAP could effectively activate the epicardium and induce EPDCs to differentiate towards cardiovascular cells as well as lymphatic endothelial cells. Moreover, SAP-released Tβ4 (SAP-Tβ4) promoted proliferation of cardiomyocytes. Furthermore, angiogenesis, lymphangiogenesis and myocardial regeneration were enhanced in the MI models at 4 weeks after delivery of SAP-Tβ4 along with attenuation of adverse myocardial remodeling and significantly improved cardiac function. Conclusions: These results demonstrate that sustained release of Tβ4 from the functionalized SAP can activate the epicardium and effectively enhance the repair of infarcted myocardium. We believe the delivery of SAP-Tβ4 may be a promising strategy for MI therapy.

CC BYText from Europe PMC. Highlighted sentences are the source of results.

Results from this study8

No result from this study comes from a test of the peptide.

Studies that did not test the peptide alone8

In this study, Thymosin beta-4 (human) was a lab tool or a carrier, part of a mix, or the subject of a lab method. These results are not evidence about taking Thymosin beta-4 (human).

01AnimalNot a test of Thymosin beta-4 (human) aloneAnimal study (in vivo)Efficacy outcome
In mice with myocardial infarction, thymosin beta‑4 released from the functionalized self-assembling peptide activated the epicardium.
In plain wordsIn mice with a heart attack, a peptide gel that slowly releases Tβ4 activated the outer layer of the heart (epicardium).
Peptide
Thymosin beta-4 (human)
Outcome
IncreaseEpicardium activation
Study
mousen: not reported in source
transgenic mouse myocardial infarction model
Outcome group
Heart function · Cardiovascular
Source sentences
Summary
We found that the designer RADA-RPR bound Tβ4 and adhered to EPDCs and that Tβ4 released from the functionalized SAP could effectively activate the epicardium and induce EPDCs to differentiate towards cardiovascular cells as well as lymphatic endothelial cells.
2 context sentences(design, population, supporting numbers)
Summary · context
At one week after intramyocardial injection of Tβ4-conjugated SAP, the activation of the epicardium was assessed.
Summary · context
Myocardial infarction (MI) models of the transgenic mice were established by ligation of the left anterior descending coronary artery.
In this study, Thymosin beta-4 (human) was a lab tool or a carrier, part of a mix, or the subject of a lab method. This result is not evidence about taking Thymosin beta-4 (human).
Show in the study text Report a problemFND-3375406001
02AnimalNot a test of Thymosin beta-4 (human) aloneAnimal study (in vivo)Efficacy outcome
In mice with myocardial infarction, released thymosin beta‑4 induced epicardium-derived cells to differentiate towards cardiovascular and lymphatic endothelial cells.
In plain wordsIn mice with a heart attack, a gel that releases Tβ4 pushed outer heart layer cells to become blood and lymph vessel lining cells.
Peptide
Thymosin beta-4 (human)
Outcome
IncreaseDifferentiation of epicardium-derived cells
Study
mousen: not reported in source
transgenic mouse myocardial infarction model
Outcome group
Heart function · Cardiovascular
Source sentences
Summary
We found that the designer RADA-RPR bound Tβ4 and adhered to EPDCs and that Tβ4 released from the functionalized SAP could effectively activate the epicardium and induce EPDCs to differentiate towards cardiovascular cells as well as lymphatic endothelial cells.
2 context sentences(design, population, supporting numbers)
Summary · context
At four weeks after implantation, the migration and differentiation of epicardium-derived cells (EPDCs) as well as angiogenesis, lymphangiogenesis and myocardial regeneration were examined.
Summary · context
Myocardial infarction (MI) models of the transgenic mice were established by ligation of the left anterior descending coronary artery.
In this study, Thymosin beta-4 (human) was a lab tool or a carrier, part of a mix, or the subject of a lab method. This result is not evidence about taking Thymosin beta-4 (human).
Show in the study text Report a problemFND-3375406002
03AnimalNot a test of Thymosin beta-4 (human) aloneAnimal study (in vivo)Efficacy outcome
SAP-released thymosin beta‑4 promoted proliferation of cardiomyocytes.
In plain wordsA peptide gel that releases Tβ4 increased the growth of heart muscle cells.
Peptide
Thymosin beta-4 (human)
Outcome
IncreaseCardiomyocyte proliferation
Study
mousen: not reported in source
transgenic mouse myocardial infarction model
Outcome group
Heart function · Cardiovascular
Source sentences
Summary
Moreover, SAP-released Tβ4 (SAP-Tβ4) promoted proliferation of cardiomyocytes.
1 context sentence(design, population, supporting numbers)
Summary · context
Myocardial infarction (MI) models of the transgenic mice were established by ligation of the left anterior descending coronary artery.
In this study, Thymosin beta-4 (human) was a lab tool or a carrier, part of a mix, or the subject of a lab method. This result is not evidence about taking Thymosin beta-4 (human).
Show in the study text Report a problemFND-3375406003
04AnimalNot a test of Thymosin beta-4 (human) aloneAnimal study (in vivo)Efficacy outcome
In mice with myocardial infarction, SAP-delivered thymosin beta‑4 enhanced angiogenesis at 4 weeks.
In plain wordsIn mice with a heart attack, a peptide gel that releases Tβ4 increased new blood vessel growth at 4 weeks.
Peptide
Thymosin beta-4 (human)
Outcome
IncreaseAngiogenesis
Study
mousen: not reported in source
transgenic mouse myocardial infarction model
Outcome group
Heart function · Cardiovascular
Source sentences
Summary
Furthermore, angiogenesis, lymphangiogenesis and myocardial regeneration were enhanced in the MI models at 4 weeks after delivery of SAP-Tβ4 along with attenuation of adverse myocardial remodeling and significantly improved cardiac function.
1 context sentence(design, population, supporting numbers)
Summary · context
Myocardial infarction (MI) models of the transgenic mice were established by ligation of the left anterior descending coronary artery.
In this study, Thymosin beta-4 (human) was a lab tool or a carrier, part of a mix, or the subject of a lab method. This result is not evidence about taking Thymosin beta-4 (human).
Show in the study text Report a problemFND-3375406004
05AnimalNot a test of Thymosin beta-4 (human) aloneAnimal study (in vivo)Efficacy outcome
In mice with myocardial infarction, SAP-delivered thymosin beta‑4 enhanced lymphangiogenesis at 4 weeks.
In plain wordsIn mice with a heart attack, a peptide gel that releases Tβ4 increased new lymph vessel growth at 4 weeks.
Peptide
Thymosin beta-4 (human)
Outcome
IncreaseLymphangiogenesis
Study
mousen: not reported in source
transgenic mouse myocardial infarction model
Outcome group
Heart function · Cardiovascular
Source sentences
Summary
Furthermore, angiogenesis, lymphangiogenesis and myocardial regeneration were enhanced in the MI models at 4 weeks after delivery of SAP-Tβ4 along with attenuation of adverse myocardial remodeling and significantly improved cardiac function.
1 context sentence(design, population, supporting numbers)
Summary · context
Myocardial infarction (MI) models of the transgenic mice were established by ligation of the left anterior descending coronary artery.
In this study, Thymosin beta-4 (human) was a lab tool or a carrier, part of a mix, or the subject of a lab method. This result is not evidence about taking Thymosin beta-4 (human).
Show in the study text Report a problemFND-3375406005
06AnimalNot a test of Thymosin beta-4 (human) aloneAnimal study (in vivo)Efficacy outcome
In mice with myocardial infarction, SAP-delivered thymosin beta‑4 enhanced myocardial regeneration at 4 weeks.
In plain wordsIn mice with a heart attack, a peptide gel that releases Tβ4 increased heart muscle regrowth at 4 weeks.
Peptide
Thymosin beta-4 (human)
Outcome
IncreaseMyocardial regeneration
Study
mousen: not reported in source
transgenic mouse myocardial infarction model
Outcome group
Heart function · Cardiovascular
Source sentences
Summary
Furthermore, angiogenesis, lymphangiogenesis and myocardial regeneration were enhanced in the MI models at 4 weeks after delivery of SAP-Tβ4 along with attenuation of adverse myocardial remodeling and significantly improved cardiac function.
1 context sentence(design, population, supporting numbers)
Summary · context
Myocardial infarction (MI) models of the transgenic mice were established by ligation of the left anterior descending coronary artery.
In this study, Thymosin beta-4 (human) was a lab tool or a carrier, part of a mix, or the subject of a lab method. This result is not evidence about taking Thymosin beta-4 (human).
Show in the study text Report a problemFND-3375406006
07AnimalNot a test of Thymosin beta-4 (human) aloneAnimal study (in vivo)Efficacy outcome
In mice with myocardial infarction, SAP-delivered thymosin beta‑4 attenuated adverse myocardial remodeling at 4 weeks.
In plain wordsIn mice with a heart attack, a peptide gel that releases Tβ4 reduced harmful changes in heart structure at 4 weeks.
Peptide
Thymosin beta-4 (human)
Outcome
DecreaseAdverse myocardial remodeling
Study
mousen: not reported in source
transgenic mouse myocardial infarction model
Outcome group
Heart function · Cardiovascular
Source sentences
Summary
Furthermore, angiogenesis, lymphangiogenesis and myocardial regeneration were enhanced in the MI models at 4 weeks after delivery of SAP-Tβ4 along with attenuation of adverse myocardial remodeling and significantly improved cardiac function.
1 context sentence(design, population, supporting numbers)
Summary · context
Myocardial infarction (MI) models of the transgenic mice were established by ligation of the left anterior descending coronary artery.
In this study, Thymosin beta-4 (human) was a lab tool or a carrier, part of a mix, or the subject of a lab method. This result is not evidence about taking Thymosin beta-4 (human).
Show in the study text Report a problemFND-3375406007
08AnimalNot a test of Thymosin beta-4 (human) aloneAnimal study (in vivo)Efficacy outcome
In mice with myocardial infarction, SAP-delivered thymosin beta‑4 significantly improved cardiac function at 4 weeks.
In plain wordsIn mice with a heart attack, a peptide gel that releases Tβ4 clearly improved heart function at 4 weeks.
Peptide
Thymosin beta-4 (human)
Outcome
IncreaseCardiac function
Study
mousen: not reported in source
transgenic mouse myocardial infarction model
Outcome group
Heart function · Cardiovascular
Source sentences
Summary
Furthermore, angiogenesis, lymphangiogenesis and myocardial regeneration were enhanced in the MI models at 4 weeks after delivery of SAP-Tβ4 along with attenuation of adverse myocardial remodeling and significantly improved cardiac function.
1 context sentence(design, population, supporting numbers)
Summary · context
Myocardial infarction (MI) models of the transgenic mice were established by ligation of the left anterior descending coronary artery.
In this study, Thymosin beta-4 (human) was a lab tool or a carrier, part of a mix, or the subject of a lab method. This result is not evidence about taking Thymosin beta-4 (human).
Show in the study text Report a problemFND-3375406008

AI wrote and checked these results. AI can make mistakes, so check important results against the source.

Version history

PepBank keeps every version of the data on this study. Status changes from Retraction Watch, Europe PMC and Crossref are listed with their source.

Version 2Current
13 Oct 2026, 01:52 UTC
Study results updated
Version 1
12 Oct 2026, 18:17 UTC
First added · source update from Europe PMC

Subjects

Terms as the source lists them.

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