Humanin is a synthetic 24-amino acid mitochondrial-derived peptide (MDP) with an approximate molecular weight of 2690 g/mol. Defined by the amino acid sequence MAPRGFSCLLLLTSEIDLPVKRRA, Humanin was first identified through functional expression screening of a cDNA library from the occipital lobe of an Alzheimer’s disease-resistant patient. It is encoded by a small open reading frame within the 16S rRNA gene (MT-RNR2) of the mitochondrial genome, a region not previously recognised as protein-coding. Together with MOTS-c, Humanin is one of the founding members of the mitochondrial-derived peptide (MDP) class. Produced via solid-phase peptide synthesis, Humanin is associated with JAK2/STAT3-mediated cytoprotective signalling in preclinical research.

Humanin has been the first identified bioactive peptide encoded within the mitochondrial genome. In vitro studies have documented that Humanin protects neurons from Alzheimer’s-disease-related cytotoxic insults by interacting with a cell-surface receptor complex involving CNTF receptor α, WSX-1 and gp130 [1]. The peptide’s interaction with the pro-apoptotic protein BAX represents a distinct and mechanistically independent axis of investigation, with research documenting that Humanin binds BAX, prevents its translocation from the cytosol to mitochondria, and thereby suppresses apoptosis, characterising direct antagonism of BAX activation as a cytoprotective mechanism [2]. In vivo studies have examined circulating Humanin concentrations in relation to ageing, documenting that Humanin levels decline with age in mice and that the rodent homolog is reduced in the hypothalamus and skeletal muscle of aged rats, with circulating concentrations also declining across age in humans [3], making Humanin a reference compound in mitochondrial-derived-peptide research examining cytoprotective receptor signalling and age-associated peptide decline in preclinical models.

Humanin is manufactured in a cGMP compliant, ISO9001 certified laboratory to a guaranteed purity of 98% or above. Every batch is independently tested using HPLC and MS-UPLC analysis before dispatch. Vials are vacuum sealed and stored in a temperature controlled, monitored cold storage system. Certificates of Analysis are available on request.

Sold strictly for in vitro research purposes only. Not for human consumption. Intended for use by qualified researchers in laboratory settings only.

Editorial Team

Dr. Martina Rossi, PhD

Scientific Contributor and Reviewer

Reviewed and approved 14 June 2026

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