Humanin
Humanin — Mitochondrial-Derived Cytoprotective Peptide
What is Humanin?
Humanin is a 21-amino acid mitochondrial-derived peptide encoded within the 16S ribosomal RNA of the mitochondrial genome. Discovered in 2001 by Japanese researchers studying Alzheimer's disease, it is one of the first mitochondrial-derived peptides (MDPs) identified with systemic cytoprotective activity. Humanin levels decline significantly with age and are inversely correlated with age-related disease burden.
Humanin exerts cytoprotective effects through multiple pathways: activation of STAT3 signaling, inhibition of BAX-mediated apoptosis, reduction of amyloid-beta toxicity, improvement of insulin sensitivity, reduction of oxidative stress, and anti-inflammatory signaling. It acts as a systemic survival signal — protecting cells from apoptosis triggered by aging, metabolic stress, and neurotoxic insults. The decline of Humanin with age is hypothesized to contribute to multiple aging pathologies.
Research Evidence
Humanin directly inhibits amyloid-beta toxicity to neurons and protects against multiple forms of neuronal apoptosis. Strong evidence for neuroprotective role in Alzheimer's models.
Animal studies demonstrate improved insulin sensitivity, reduced fat accumulation, and protection against metabolic syndrome. Humanin analogs are being developed as metabolic therapeutics.
Human epidemiological studies show higher circulating Humanin levels correlate with longevity in centenarians' offspring. Causal relationship not yet established by interventional studies.
Evidence grades: Gold = RCT human data · Silver = consistent animal/human data · Bronze = limited or preliminary
Dosing Protocols
Reconstitution Guide
| Vial Size | BAC Water | Concentration | Target draw |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10 mg | 2 ml | 5 mg/ml | 5mg = 10 units |
| 10 mg | 5 ml | 2 mg/ml | 5mg = 25 units |
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Humanin compare to MOTS-c?
Both are mitochondrial-derived peptides (MDPs) from the mitochondrial genome. MOTS-c primarily activates AMPK and metabolic pathways (exercise mimetic). Humanin primarily acts as a cytoprotective and neuroprotective signal — inhibiting apoptosis and protecting against neurodegeneration and metabolic stress. They are complementary and are sometimes stacked in comprehensive longevity protocols.
Does Humanin decline with age?
Yes significantly. Circulating Humanin levels decline by approximately 30-40% between young adulthood and old age. This decline correlates with increased susceptibility to apoptotic cell death, metabolic dysfunction, and neurodegeneration that characterize aging. The hypothesis that Humanin supplementation could partially reverse age-related decline is mechanistically plausible but not yet confirmed in human trials.
References
- [1]Hashimoto Y, Niikura T, Tajima H, 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.
- [2]Lee C, Wan J, Miyazaki B, et al. IGF-I regulates the age-dependent signaling peptide humanin. Aging Cell. 2014;13(5):958-961.
This profile was prepared using AI-assisted research synthesis. Citations are provided where applicable — verify with primary sources before clinical application.
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