Humanin

Humanin

Humanin is a 21-amino acid mitochondria-derived peptide (MDP) encoded within the 16S ribosomal RNA gene of the mitochondrial genome — making it one of the first identified members of the mitochondrial-derived peptide family, alongside MOTS-c and SHLPs. It was originally discovered in 2001 by Nishimoto et al. during a screen for factors that protect neurons from Alzheimer’s disease-associated cell death, and has since been characterised as a pleiotropic cytoprotective peptide with roles in neuroprotection, metabolic regulation, cardiovascular protection, and longevity biology. Humanin circulates in human plasma and declines with age, positioning it as a research target in the biology of ageing and age-related disease.

Mechanism of Action

Humanin exerts its cytoprotective effects through multiple receptor-dependent and receptor-independent mechanisms. It binds to a tripartite receptor complex comprising gp130, CNTFRα, and WSX-1 on the cell surface, activating JAK2/STAT3 and PI3K/Akt signalling pathways that promote cell survival and suppress apoptosis. Humanin also directly interacts with the pro-apoptotic protein BAX, preventing its mitochondrial translocation and cytochrome c release, thereby inhibiting the intrinsic apoptotic pathway. Additionally, Humanin activates AMPK and modulates insulin signalling via the IGF-1 receptor, contributing to its metabolic effects including improved insulin sensitivity and reduced hepatic lipid accumulation. In the CNS, Humanin protects neurons from amyloid-β toxicity, oxidative stress, and ER stress-induced apoptosis, making it a key research tool in neurodegeneration biology.

Research Applications

• Mitochondria-derived peptide (MDP) biology and mitochondrial-nuclear communication research
• Neuroprotection, amyloid-β toxicity, and Alzheimer’s disease preclinical models
• JAK2/STAT3 and PI3K/Akt cytoprotective signalling studies
• BAX-mediated apoptosis inhibition and mitochondrial integrity research
• Ageing biology, longevity, and age-related metabolic disease investigation

Specifications

• Molecular Formula:  C₁₁₉H₂₀₄N₃₄O₃₂S₂
• Molecular Weight: 2687.27 g/mol
• CAS Number: 330936-69-1
• Purity: ≥98%
• Form: Lyophilised powder
• Storage: -20°C
• Shelf Life: 24 months

This product is intended for legitimate laboratory and analytical research use only. Not for diagnostic, therapeutic, or consumer use.