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Published in:

01-03-2005 | Symposium

Roles of Thymosins in Cancers and Other Organ Systems

Authors: Changyi Chen, M.D., Ph.D., Min Li, Ph.D., Hui Yang, M.D., Ph.D., Hong Chai, M.D., Ph.D., William Fisher, M.D., Qizhi Yao, M.D., Ph.D.

Published in: World Journal of Surgery | Issue 3/2005

Abstract

Thymosins are small peptides, originally identified from the thymus, but now known to be more widely distributed in many tissues and cells. Thymosins are divided into three main groups, α-, β-, and γ-thymosins, based on their isoelectric points. α-thymosins (ProTα, Tαl) have nuclear localization and are involved in transcription and/or DNA replications; whereas β-thymosins (Tβ4, Tβ10, Tβl5) have cytoplasmic localization and show high affinity to G-actin for cell mobility. Furthermore, it is well known that both α- and β-thymosins play important roles in modulating immune response, vascular biology, and cancer pathogenesis. More importantly, thymosins may have significant clinical applications. They may serve as molecular markers for the diagnosis and prognosis of certain diseases. In addition, they could be molecular targets of certain diseases or be used as therapeutic agents to treat certain diseases. However, the molecular mechanisms of action of thymosins are largely unknown. This review not only presents recent advances of basic science research of thymosins and their clinical applications but provides thoughtful views for future directions of investigation on thymosins.

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Title: Roles of Thymosins in Cancers and Other Organ Systems
Authors: Changyi Chen, M.D., Ph.D.
Min Li, Ph.D.
Hui Yang, M.D., Ph.D.
Hong Chai, M.D., Ph.D.
William Fisher, M.D.
Qizhi Yao, M.D., Ph.D.
Publication date: 01-03-2005
Publisher: Springer-Verlag
Published in: World Journal of Surgery / Issue 3/2005
Print ISSN: 0364-2313
Electronic ISSN: 1432-2323
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00268-004-7817-2

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Roles of Thymosins in Cancers and Other Organ Systems

Abstract

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

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Effects of Irradiation Combined with Cis-diamminedichloroplatinum (CDDP) Suppository in Rabbit VX2 Rectal Tumors

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Tissue MicroArray Analyses of Pancreatic Duodenal Homeobox-1 in Human Cancers

Prognosis of Hepatocellular Carcinoma after Hepatectomy in Patients with Renal Dysfunction

Abrogation of Transforming Growth Factor-β Signaling in Pancreatic Cancer

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