Buy Humanin Research Peptide

Humanin is a synthetic 24-amino acid mitochondrial-derived peptide (MDP) with an approximate molecular weight of 2,687.28 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 — a brain region relatively spared from Alzheimer’s disease pathology — of a patient with Alzheimer’s disease. It is encoded by a small open reading frame within the 16S rRNA gene (MT-RNR2) of the mitochondrial genome, a region not previously recognized 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 signaling 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, characterizing direct antagonism of BAX activation as a cytoprotective mechanism [2]. In vivo rodent studies have examined Humanin's metabolic effects, documenting that central (intracerebroventricular) infusion of native Humanin improves insulin sensitivity in normal rats via hypothalamic STAT3 signaling, while native Humanin did not significantly alter insulin action when infused intravenously; the potent Humanin analogue HNGF6A reproduced the insulin-sensitizing effect peripherally and lowered blood glucose in Zucker diabetic fatty rats [3], making Humanin a reference compound in mitochondrial-derived-peptide research examining cytoprotective receptor signaling and insulin-sensitizing metabolic activity in preclinical models.

Humanin is produced to research-grade standards and independently verified by third-party 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 to view and download directly on the product page.

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

Scientific Review

Dr. Martina Rossi, PhD

Scientific Contributor and Reviewer

Reviewed for scientific accuracy, 11 August 2026

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