Humanin
- •what is Humanin
- •Humanin mitochondrial peptide
- •Humanin Alzheimer's research
- •Humanin longevity
- •Humanin vs MOTS-c
- Humanin(Mitochondrial peptide)· Mitochondrial Health & Energy
- Humanin is one of the most fascinating peptides in biology — a tiny molecule encoded inside your mitochondria that appears to protect cells from many kinds of stress, especially in the brain. Levels of Humanin decline with age, and people with higher Humanin tend to have better metabolic and cognitive markers. It is a frequent topic in longevity research alongside MOTS-c and NAD+.
What is it?
Humanin is a 24-amino-acid mitochondrial-derived peptide encoded within the mitochondrial 16S rRNA gene. It was discovered in 2001 by researchers searching for endogenous factors that protect neurons from Alzheimer's-related toxicity. Humanin is one of the first identified mitochondrial-derived peptides (MDPs), a class that also includes MOTS-c and the SHLPs. It is studied for neuroprotection, metabolic health, and longevity, and is sold strictly for laboratory research.
In plain English
Humanin is one of the most fascinating peptides in biology — a tiny molecule encoded inside your mitochondria that appears to protect cells from many kinds of stress, especially in the brain. Levels of Humanin decline with age, and people with higher Humanin tend to have better metabolic and cognitive markers. It is a frequent topic in longevity research alongside MOTS-c and NAD+.
How it works
Humanin binds a heterotrimeric receptor complex (CNTFR/WSX-1/gp130) and engages another receptor (FPR2) on target cells. It activates STAT3 signaling, suppresses apoptosis under stress, improves insulin sensitivity, and protects neurons from amyloid-beta toxicity in Alzheimer's models. It is considered a key 'cellular survival' signal sent from mitochondria to the rest of the body.
What researchers study
- •Alzheimer's disease and amyloid-beta neurotoxicity
- •Type 2 diabetes and insulin sensitivity
- •Cardiovascular protection in ischemia-reperfusion
- •Longevity and centenarian studies
- •Mitochondrial-derived peptide biology
- •Stroke neuroprotection
What the internet talks about
Humanin is a longevity-forum favorite, discussed alongside MOTS-c, NAD+, and SS-31 in mitochondrial health stacks. Conversations focus on its neuroprotective potential, centenarian correlation data, and challenges sourcing properly synthesized peptide.
Bro-science translation
“A survival signal that mitochondria send to the rest of the body.”
Commonly compared to
Common stack discussions
Most commonly combined with MOTS-c, SS-31, and NAD+ in mitochondrial-focused longevity protocols. Sometimes paired with Epitalon for broad anti-aging research.
Related peptides
Related categories
Frequently asked questions
Quick summary
Humanin is a 24-amino-acid mitochondrial-derived peptide studied for neuroprotection, insulin sensitivity, and longevity. Levels decline with age and are higher in centenarians. Sold strictly for laboratory research.