Well Researched

Humanin

Longevity & Anti-Aging · ['Humanin', 'HN', 'MTRNR2-derived peptide', 'HNG (analog)']

Humanin is a 24-amino-acid mitochondrial-derived peptide encoded within the MT-RNR2 (16S rRNA) region, first identified for its cytoprotective and antiapoptotic activity. It is studied in the context of cellular stress resistance, metabolism, and neuroprotection, and is offered strictly for laboratory research.

🔬 Research use only — not for human or veterinary use. K4 Elite does not provide dosing instructions.

Molecular Formula

C119H204N34O32S2

Molecular Weight

2687.2 g/mol

PubChem

CID 16131438 ↗

Research Level

Well Researched

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Humanin is a 24-amino-acid peptide encoded within the mitochondrial 16S ribosomal RNA gene (MT-RNR2). It was first identified in the early 2000s from surviving neurons in Alzheimer-affected brain tissue and characterized by its antiapoptotic, cytoprotective properties. It is one of the founding members of the mitochondrial-derived peptide (MDP) family.

Research has explored humanin and its more potent analog HNG (with a Ser14Gly substitution) across neuronal survival, metabolic regulation, and cellular stress-response contexts. Circulating humanin levels have been reported to decline with age, which has driven interest in its role in longevity biology.

Content here summarizes peer-reviewed literature. Humanin is intended for research use only and is not a drug, supplement, or approved therapy.

Humanin is reported to exert cytoprotective effects through multiple pathways. It interacts with the pro-apoptotic protein Bax and with insulin-like growth factor-binding protein 3 (IGFBP-3), and it binds a trimeric receptor complex (CNTFR-alpha / gp130 / WSX-1) that activates JAK2/STAT3 signaling. Studies also report activation of ERK1/2 and AKT pathways.

In metabolic models, humanin has been associated with improved insulin sensitivity via hypothalamic STAT3 signaling. These mechanisms have been characterized largely in cell-culture and rodent systems.

Antiapoptotic / cytoprotection: Humanin protects cells from Bax- and IGFBP-3-mediated apoptosis and TNF-alpha-induced apoptosis in vitro (Hashimoto et al., 2001; Ikonen et al., 2003).
Neuroprotection: Studied against amyloid-beta toxicity and in neuronal stress models; signaling shown to be age-dependent in hippocampus (Cai et al., 2017, PMC5216912).
Metabolic regulation: Associated with improved insulin sensitivity and glucose handling in rodent studies (Muzumdar et al., 2009).
Longevity biology: Circulating humanin reported to decline with age and to correlate with markers of mitochondrial function (Yen et al., 2013).
Tissue regeneration / skeletal biology: Reviewed roles in neural and skeletal disease and tissue repair (Frontiers, 2022).
Cardiometabolic models: Studied for effects on endothelial cells and atherosclerosis-related processes in animals.

📋 How published studies were conducted — a research reference summarizing study designs from the literature. This is not usage, dosing, or administration guidance. K4 Elite does not provide dosing instructions; determining any research protocol is the sole responsibility of the qualified researcher.

Reporting only — not guidance. Hashimoto et al. (2001, PNAS) identified humanin and characterized its ability to suppress neuronal cell death induced by Alzheimer-related insults in cell culture, defining its antiapoptotic activity.

Muzumdar et al. (2009, Endocrinology) administered the humanin analog HNG to rodents and reported improvements in insulin sensitivity and glucose metabolism, describing metabolic effects in an animal model. Cai et al. (2017) reported that humanin activates ERK1/2, AKT, and STAT3 signaling in the hippocampus with age-dependent differences. These are descriptions of published experiments, not protocols for use.

Combinations examined in the research literature. Descriptive only — not a recommendation to combine compounds.

IGFBP-3Neutral

Direct binding partner; humanin can block IGFBP-3-induced apoptosis in some cell types.

BaxNeutral

Humanin binds and antagonizes pro-apoptotic Bax in mechanistic studies.

MOTS-cSynergistic

Fellow mitochondrial-derived peptide; studied in overlapping metabolic/longevity contexts.

IGF-1 axis modulatorsCaution

Interaction with IGF-binding proteins means combined effects on the IGF axis are not fully characterized.

STAT3 pathway agentsCaution

Shared signaling node; combined effects uncharacterized in research settings.

Is humanin approved as a therapy?

No. Humanin is a research compound with no regulatory approval as a drug or supplement. It is intended for laboratory research use only.

What is humanin's origin?

It is a 24-amino-acid mitochondrial-derived peptide encoded within the MT-RNR2 (16S rRNA) region of mitochondrial DNA, first identified for its antiapoptotic activity.

What is HNG?

HNG is a synthetic humanin analog with a Ser14Gly substitution that is reported in the literature to be substantially more potent than native humanin in cytoprotection assays.

Why is humanin studied in longevity research?

Circulating humanin levels have been reported to decline with age, and it is associated with mitochondrial function and stress resistance in published studies. Any longevity relevance is a research question, not a demonstrated benefit.

Can you provide a dose for humanin?

No. This reference provides research context only and does not include human or veterinary dosing, routes, or administration guidance. Animal-study doses mentioned in the literature are reported for context, not recommended.

Disclaimer: This profile summarizes published preclinical and laboratory research for reference only. It is not medical advice and makes no claim of safety or efficacy in humans. Determining any research protocol is the sole responsibility of the qualified researcher. Products are sold strictly for in-vitro research and have not been evaluated by the FDA.