Humanin (HN, 24-amino-acid mitochondrial peptide)
Humanin is a small peptide made by mitochondria, the "power plants" of cells; its levels decline with age. It is studied as protection for nerve cells in Alzheimer's disease and in metabolic disorders, so far only in laboratory experiments.
MAPRGFSCLLLLTSEIDLPVKRRA — 24 aa, encoded by mitochondrial DNA (16S rRNA). ~2687 Da. Discovered in 2001 in Alzheimer's disease.
A mitochondrial peptide with neuroprotective activity in Alzheimer's (↓Aβ toxicity). Lowers metabolic risk markers: insulin resistance, inflammation. Levels decline with age and in neurodegeneration. A potential longevity biomarker.
Receptors: FPRL1/HCAR1 and gp130/CNTFR → JAK2/STAT3 → ↑neuron survival, ↓apoptosis (↓Bax/↑Bcl-2). Binds Bax directly → ↓mitochondrial apoptosis pathway. Systemic: ↓insulin resistance via the IGF-1R/IRS-1 pathway. ↓IGFBP-3 (a stress marker).
Studies used 100-500 mcg SC or 1-10 mcg/kg. No clinical data. Researcher practice describes 2-5 mg SC 2-3 times/week (not validated).
Level C-D Animal studies. Effects have been shown in animals. Whether they carry over to humans has not been proven. Preclinical. No clinical studies.
⚠️ No clinical RCTs have been conducted. Complex to manufacture. Research only. Its potential in neurodegeneration and metabolic syndrome is so far supported only by preclinical data.
Research peptides are laboratory reagents (Research Use Only). They are not medicines and are not intended for use in humans or animals.