Humanin — EU research guide.
Humanin is a 21-amino-acid peptide encoded within the mitochondrial 16S rRNA gene. It is the founding member of the mitochondria-derived peptide (MDP) family and is studied for neuroprotection, metabolic regulation and longevity.
What is Humanin?
Humanin was discovered in 2001 as a peptide that rescued neurons from amyloid-beta toxicity. It is encoded in mitochondrial DNA and produced in response to cellular stress. It acts through three known receptors (FPRL1, CNTFR, gp130) to promote cell survival, reduce apoptosis and modulate insulin sensitivity. Circulating humanin levels decline with age.
What does the research show?
Animal studies demonstrate neuroprotection in Alzheimer's models, reduction of amyloid-beta toxicity, improved insulin sensitivity and reduced atherosclerosis. In human observational data, higher circulating humanin levels correlate with longevity and offspring of centenarians have elevated humanin levels. Humanin analogues (e.g. HNG — with glycine substitution) show 1000x greater potency in some models.
EU legal status
Humanin is not an approved drug anywhere. It is a research compound used in mitochondrial biology and longevity research. Available from EU vendors for laboratory use only.
Molecular information
Pharmacokinetics
Humanin across EU suppliers
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