Family · longevity
Humanin
HN; Mitochondrial-derived peptide (MDP) encoded within the 16S rRNA (MT-RNR2) region of mitochondrial DNA; analogues include HNG (S14G-Humanin) and Colivelin
Humanin is an endogenous 24-amino-acid peptide encoded by a short open reading frame within the mitochondrial 16S rRNA gene, discovered in 2001 from surviving neurons in Alzheimer's disease brain tissue. It is one of several 'mitochondrial-derived peptides' (alongside MOTS-c and SHLPs) now studied as signals linking mitochondrial status to cell survival and metabolism. Proposed mechanisms from cell and animal studies include: intracellular interference with pro-apoptotic Bax and IGFBP3; binding to a cell-surface receptor complex (formed with CNTFR, WSX-1 and gp130) that activates JAK2/STAT3 signalling; and modulation of AMPK/SIRT1/PGC-1α, PI3K/Akt/mTOR, and Nrf2 antioxidant pathways. These pathways are broadly implicated in stress resistance, apoptosis regulation, and metabolic signalling.
Evidence is preclinical and observational. In vitro and rodent studies report cytoprotective effects against amyloid-beta toxicity and oxidative/ER stress in neuronal and retinal pigment epithelium cells, and improved insulin sensitivity/glucose handling in animal models. In humans, circulating humanin levels have been measured in observational studies correlating with age, exercise, and some disease states, but there are no completed randomized controlled trials establishing clinical efficacy or safety of exogenous humanin (or its analogues) for any indication. It is not an approved therapeutic and remains a research tool for probing mitochondrial-to-nuclear signalling in aging and metabolic disease.
- Preclinical neuroprotection research (Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and stroke/ischemia models)
- Metabolic and insulin-sensitivity signalling research (diabetes/obesity models)
- Mitochondrial biology and aging-biomarker research (mitochondrial-derived peptide signalling)
Educational overview only — no dosing instructions in the public hub.
No human clinical trials have established a safety profile for exogenous humanin or its analogues; long-term effects are unknown. Because humanin modulates apoptosis and growth-signalling pathways (e.g., STAT3, IGFBP3), theoretical concerns about interactions with cell proliferation/cancer biology have been raised in the literature and are not resolved. Unregulated peptide sourcing adds contamination, mislabeling, and underfilling risk on top of the unknown pharmacology. Not evaluated by FDA/EMA/UK MHRA for any use.
Research samples should carry an independent third-party Certificate of Analysis confirming identity, purity (HPLC), and quantification by mass spectrometry (MS); unregulated vendors carry meaningful risk of mislabeled or underfilled vials.
Research Use Only (RUO) in most jurisdictions; not an approved drug or supplement in the EU, US, or UK. Sold, when available, strictly for laboratory/research use, not human consumption.
Frequently asked questions
- What is Humanin used for?
- Preclinical neuroprotection research (Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and stroke/ischemia models). Metabolic and insulin-sensitivity signalling research (diabetes/obesity models). Mitochondrial biology and aging-biomarker research (mitochondrial-derived peptide signalling). Evidence is preclinical and observational. In vitro and rodent studies report cytoprotective effects against amyloid-beta toxicity and oxidative/ER stress in neuronal and retinal pigment epithelium cells, and improved insulin sensitivity/glucose handling in animal models. In humans, circulating humanin levels have been measured in observational studies correlating with age, exercise, and some disease states, but there are no completed randomized controlled trials establishing clinical efficacy or safety of exogenous humanin (or its analogues) for any indication. It is not an approved therapeutic and remains a research tool for probing mitochondrial-to-nuclear signalling in aging and metabolic disease.
- Is Humanin legal in Europe?
- Research Use Only (RUO) in most jurisdictions; not an approved drug or supplement in the EU, US, or UK. Sold, when available, strictly for laboratory/research use, not human consumption.
- What are the risks and side effects of Humanin?
- No human clinical trials have established a safety profile for exogenous humanin or its analogues; long-term effects are unknown. Because humanin modulates apoptosis and growth-signalling pathways (e.g., STAT3, IGFBP3), theoretical concerns about interactions with cell proliferation/cancer biology have been raised in the literature and are not resolved. Unregulated peptide sourcing adds contamination, mislabeling, and underfilling risk on top of the unknown pharmacology. Not evaluated by FDA/EMA/UK MHRA for any use.
- How is the quality of Humanin assessed?
- Research samples should carry an independent third-party Certificate of Analysis confirming identity, purity (HPLC), and quantification by mass spectrometry (MS); unregulated vendors carry meaningful risk of mislabeled or underfilled vials.