Humanin 10mg

Humanin — Overview & Chemical Characteristics

Humanin is a 24–amino-acid mitochondrial-derived peptide (MDP) originally identified
within the mitochondrial 16S rRNA region. It is part of a class of peptides that may act as retrograde
signals—communicating mitochondrial stress or metabolic status to the nucleus. Humanin has been widely
studied for its potential roles in cytoprotection, metabolic regulation, and cellular resilience under
oxidative or apoptotic stress.

Chemical Identity

• CAS Number: 330936-69-1
• Molecular Formula: C₁₁₉H₂₀₄N₃₄O₃₂S₂
• Molecular Weight: 2687.3 g/mol
• Peptide Length: 24 amino acids
• Peptide Class: Mitochondria-derived peptide (MDP)

Structural Characteristics

Humanin possesses a compact 24-amino-acid structure with a mild helical core and regions capable of
binding multiple intracellular and extracellular partners. Several enhanced analogs exist
(e.g., HNG/Gly¹⁴→Ser) that show increased potency in experimental models.

• Lacks disulfide bonds; stability driven by hydrophobic interactions
• Known to interact with proteins such as BAX, BIM, and IGFBP3
• Can function both intracellularly and through membrane receptor complexes

Mechanisms of Action (Research Context)

1. Anti-apoptotic Activity

Humanin can bind and inhibit several pro-apoptotic BCL-2 family proteins, including
tBID, BAX, and BIM, helping prevent mitochondrial membrane permeabilization and
reducing programmed cell death.

2. Receptor-Mediated Signaling

Extracellular Humanin may signal through the CNTFR–WSX-1–gp130 receptor complex, activating:

• JAK2/STAT3 pathway
• MAPK/ERK signaling
• PI3K/AKT survival signaling

3. Mitochondrial Stress Modulation

Humanin is proposed to act as a retrograde mitochondrial signal, promoting genes involved in
oxidative-stress resistance, mitochondrial biogenesis, and metabolic balance.

4. Metabolic Effects

Research suggests potential benefits in insulin sensitivity, glucose processing, and energy-balance
pathways in both cellular and animal models.

Potential Research Applications

• Neuroprotection: Protection against oxidative stress, excitotoxicity, and β-amyloid challenges
• Metabolic Regulation: Improved insulin signaling and glucose homeostasis
• Longevity Research: Declines with age; studied for effects on mitochondrial health and cellular stress resistance
• Cardioprotection: Potential support during ischemia-reperfusion and endothelial dysfunction

Representative Studies

1. Hashimoto et al. Nature, 2001 – Discovery of Humanin as a neuroprotective peptide.
2. Cobb et al. Cell Metabolism, 2016 – Humanin as a mitochondrial longevity factor.
3. Yen et al. PNAS, 2013 – Receptor-mediated Humanin signaling via gp130 complex.
4. Zarse et al. Aging, 2012 – Humanin analogs in metabolic regulation.
5. Muzumdar et al. JCEM, 2009 – Humanin’s role in insulin sensitivity.

For research use only. Not for human consumption.