Everything listed here is Research Use Only (RUO). Not for human or animal consumption.
A 24-amino acid mitochondrial-derived peptide (MDP) encoded within the 16S ribosomal RNA region of mitochondrial DNA. Studies have investigated its cytoprotective, neuroprotective, and metabolic regulatory properties.
Humanin is the first identified mitochondrial-derived peptide, encoded by a short open reading frame within the MT-RNR2 gene of mitochondrial DNA. It acts through multiple pathways: binding to the FPRL1 receptor and the CNTFR/WSX-1/gp130 trimeric receptor complex to activate STAT3 signaling, direct interaction with IGFBP-3 and Bax to inhibit apoptosis, and modulation of mitochondrial function. Humanin protects cells against amyloid-beta toxicity, oxidative stress, and serum deprivation-induced apoptosis. It also modulates insulin sensitivity and glucose metabolism through central and peripheral mechanisms. Circulating humanin levels decline with age in humans.
Hashimoto Y, et al. A rescue factor abolishing neuronal cell death by a wide spectrum of familial Alzheimer's disease genes and Abeta. Proc Natl Acad Sci USA. 2001;98(11):6336-6341.
Key finding: Identified humanin as an endogenous neuroprotective factor that rescues neurons from death induced by multiple familial Alzheimer's disease genes and amyloid-beta peptide in research models.
Lee C, et al. The mitochondrial-derived peptide MOTS-c promotes metabolic homeostasis and reduces obesity and insulin resistance. Cell Metab. 2015;21(3):443-454.
Key finding: Established the broader paradigm of mitochondrial-derived peptides as metabolic regulators, with humanin and MOTS-c demonstrating complementary protective functions in metabolic signaling pathway research.
| Type | Peptide (24 amino acids, mitochondrial-derived) |
Research Use Only (RUO): This page summarizes published scientific research and is provided for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment recommendations. The compound described carries a Research Use Only designation and is intended for laboratory research use only. It is not intended for human or animal consumption, or for use in the diagnosis, treatment, cure, or prevention of any disease. Consult qualified professionals before making any health-related decisions.