Humanin is a 21-24 amino acid mitochondria-derived peptide (MDP) encoded by the MT-RNR2 gene in mitochondrial DNA. It was originally discovered in 2001 for its ability to protect neurons from Alzheimer's disease-related toxicity. Since then, it has been found to have broad cytoprotective, anti-inflammatory, anti-apoptotic, and metabolic effects. Circulating humanin levels decline with age and correlate with longevity in centenarian studies.
Category: Metabolic / Mitochondrial. Evidence rating: D (animal/preclinical only).
Clinical status: Preclinical. No completed clinical trials. Epidemiological studies show correlation with longevity.
Humanin operates through both intracellular and extracellular mechanisms. Intracellularly, it binds pro-apoptotic proteins BAX, Bim, and tBid to inhibit caspase activation and cell death. Extracellularly, secreted humanin binds the CNTFR-α/gp130/WSX-1 trimeric receptor complex to activate…
Research base: 3 registered clinical trials and 11 indexed publications reference Humanin.
Safety considerations: No formal human safety data; Endogenous peptide — naturally present in human circulation; No adverse effects reported in animal studies at tested doses.
Reviewed by the PeptideAtlas Editorial Team. Last reviewed: 2026-07-05.
Related peptides: MOTS-c, SS-31.
Compare: Humanin vs MOTS-c, Humanin vs SS-31.
Both are mitochondria-derived peptides (MDPs) encoded by mitochondrial DNA. Humanin is encoded by MT-RNR2 (16S rRNA) and primarily has anti-apoptotic/cytoprotective effects. MOTS-c is encoded by 12S rRNA and primarily has metabolic/AMPK-activating effects. They are complementary, targeting different aspects of mitochondrial health and aging.
HNG has a serine-to-glycine substitution at position 14 that increases potency approximately 1000-fold compared to native humanin. Most research uses HNG because effective doses are much lower (nanomolar vs micromolar range).
Humanin is a mitochondrial-derived peptide (MDP) discovered in 2001, researched for its neuroprotective and cytoprotective effects. It represents a class of peptides produced by mitochondrial DNA.
HUMANIN has been studied for: Neuroprotection, Mitochondrial support, Anti-apoptotic effects, Metabolic regulation, Longevity research. First identified mitochondrial-derived peptide; significant research in Alzheimer's and aging.
Acts through multiple pathways including STAT3 signaling, insulin/IGF-1 pathways, and FPRL receptors. Protects cells from oxidative stress and apoptosis, particularly in neurons.