Humanin
HN · [Gly14]-Humanin
Popular for:Cytoprotection, neuroprotection, metabolic health
513
Total Studies
299
Human Studies
Animal
Evidence Level
Not Approved
FDA Status
Overview
Humanin is a mitochondrial-derived peptide (MDP) encoded by the 16S ribosomal RNA gene of mitochondrial DNA. Discovered in 2001 during Alzheimer's disease research, it is a 24-amino acid peptide with potent cytoprotective and neuroprotective effects.
Humanin is part of a family of mitochondrial-derived peptides (including MOTS-c and SHLPs) that act as retrograde signaling molecules from mitochondria to the rest of the cell and body. Circulating humanin levels decline with age and are inversely correlated with age-related diseases.
Mechanism of Action
Humanin exerts its cytoprotective effects through multiple mechanisms: it binds to IGFBP-3, modulating the IGF signaling axis; it interacts with BAX, preventing mitochondrial-mediated apoptosis; and it activates the STAT3 signaling pathway. These combined actions protect cells from stress-induced death, particularly in neural tissue, cardiac tissue, and pancreatic beta cells.
Key Research Benefits
Clinical Evidence Summary
Research Pipeline
513
Total Studies
299
Human Studies
Not FDA-approved. Pre-clinical research compound. Discovered 2001. Active area of academic research in aging, neurodegeneration, and metabolic disease.
Key Studies / PubMed References
513 studies found on PubMed · showing top 25 by relevance
View all on PubMedThe neuroprotective role of Humanin in Alzheimer's disease: The molecular effects.
ReviewAlqahtani SM, Al-Kuraishy HM, Al-Gareeb AI, et al. · European journal of pharmacology · 2025
PMID: 40090538HUMANIN produced by human efferocytic macrophages promotes the resolution of inflammation.
Human StudyMaraux M, Vetter M, Zuffo LD, et al. · Cell death & disease · 2025
PMID: 40877234[Gly14]-Humanin ameliorates high glucose-induced endothelial senescence via SIRT6.
Human StudyLi M, Liu Z, Cao X, et al. · Scientific reports · 2024
PMID: 39730568Myeloid cells coordinately induce glioma cell-intrinsic and cell-extrinsic pathways for chemoresistance via GP130 signaling.
In VitroCheng J, Li M, Motta E, et al. · Cell reports. Medicine · 2024
PMID: 39053460Mitochondrial-derived peptides: Antidiabetic functions and evolutionary perspectives.
ReviewKal S, Mahata S, Jati S, et al. · Peptides · 2024
PMID: 38160808Side Effects & Safety
Known Interactions
No curated interaction entry is live for Humanin yet.
Until the interaction table is fully populated, use the interaction checker and related peptides below to explore adjacent compounds and likely research pairings.
Frequently Asked Questions
Research Disclaimer
This page is for research and educational purposes only. The information presented is based on published scientific literature and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment recommendations. Humanin is not approved by the FDA for human therapeutic use. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making any health-related decisions. The studies referenced are linked to their original PubMed sources for verification.