Tβ4 is the major actin-regulating molecule in most mammalian cells and plays an important role in the regeneration, remodeling, and healing of injured or damaged tissues. Actin comprises up to 10% of the protein of non-muscle cells, is central to cell structure and movement, and vital for the healing of injured or damaged tissue. Tβ4 is present in concentrations that are high enough to sequester all of the G-actin in cells and has been found to regulate both the polymerization (bonding of molecules) and depolymerization (separating of molecules) of actin.

The Actin Treading Process	Tβ4 Regulates Actin, A Key Structural Protein in Mammals
In living cells, actin is removed from the pointed end and added again to the barbed end (polymerization and depolymerization) as indicated in this animation. This process is responsible for the movement of cells and is reminiscent of a moving tank tread. Tβ4 interacts with these actin molecules to help regulate the treading process and, thus, the movement of cells. Animation courtesy of Prof. Ewald Hannappel, University of Erlangen, Germany