Humanin
Humanin is a mitochondrial-derived peptide. The preclinical record is robust. No interventional human trial exists.
Checked by the PU Research editorial team — evidence-graded against primary sources. Last check: 23 July 2026. Sources: 3. Who checks this
01Identity & Classification
Humanin is a 24-amino-acid peptide. The 16S rRNA gene of the mitochondrial genome encodes it.
It is the founding mitochondrial-derived peptide (MDP). Researchers identified it in 2001, in the cortex of a patient with Alzheimer's disease.
02Mechanism: How It Works
Humanin is cytoprotective and anti-apoptotic.
It interferes with Bax activation. It binds and neutralizes Bid and BimEL. It suppresses JNK and ASK1. It binds IGFBP-3.
Outside the cell it signals through FPRL1 and FPRL2, and through a CNTFR/WSX-1/gp130 receptor complex. It activates STAT3, ERK1/2, AKT, and AMPK.
03Research Findings
Evidence tier: preclinical (robust), plus human observational data.
Preclinical data. Guo et al. (2003) showed that humanin suppresses apoptosis through interference with Bax. Worm models and transgenic mouse models show neuroprotection and effects on lifespan and healthspan.
Human data. The human evidence is observational. Circulating humanin decreases with age. The level is lower in Alzheimer's disease and in MELAS. The level is higher in the offspring of centenarians.
Evidence limit. No interventional human trial exists.
04Reported Dosing & Delivery
No high-authority human dosing exists.
05Pharmacokinetics & Timing
No source characterizes the pharmacokinetics in humans.
06Interactions & Combinations
No documented interaction exists.
Compare with MOTS-c and Elamipretide (SS-31).
07Safety & Contraindications
No human safety data exist.
In transgenic mice, chronic exposure decreased body size and litter size. Researchers describe this as a physiologic effect, not a toxic effect.
08Monitoring & Biomarkers
No validated biomarker exists.
09Regulatory Status
No regulator approves humanin. WADA does not name it.
10Works Cited
- 01Guo B, et al. Nature, 2003;423:456–61. View source →
- 02Lifespan study. PMC7343442. View source →
- 03Signaling review. PMC5216912. View source →
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