Humanin
Humanin (mitochondrial-derived peptide)
A mitochondrial-derived peptide studied for neuroprotection and metabolic health, found at higher levels in some long-lived populations.
Overview
Humanin is a 24-amino-acid mitochondrial-derived peptide first identified for protecting neurons from Alzheimer-related toxicity. Research links it to cytoprotection, metabolic regulation, and longevity, with higher circulating levels reported in the offspring of centenarians. Human therapeutic evidence is preliminary and it is not approved.
Mechanism of action
Activates cytoprotective and anti-apoptotic signaling and influences insulin sensitivity and cellular stress responses.
Key studies & citations
- In vitro2001
A rescue factor abolishing neuronal cell death by a wide spectrum of familial Alzheimer's disease genes and Abeta
Discovery paper: humanin cDNA encodes a short secreted peptide that abolished neuronal death caused by familial Alzheimer's disease genes and amyloid-beta in cell culture.
Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences - Animal2009
Humanin: a novel central regulator of peripheral insulin action
Central or peripheral humanin improved whole-body insulin sensitivity in rats via hypothalamic STAT-3; humanin levels fell with age in rodents and humans.
PLoS One - Animal2020
The mitochondrial derived peptide humanin is a regulator of lifespan and healthspan
Humanin overexpression extended lifespan in C. elegans and an analogue improved metabolic healthspan in mice; circulating humanin was much higher in children of centenarians than age-matched controls.
Aging (Albany NY) - Review2013
The emerging role of the mitochondrial-derived peptide humanin in stress resistance
Review of humanin's cytoprotective, anti-apoptotic and metabolic signaling; human therapeutic data remain limited.
Journal of Molecular Endocrinology
Frequently asked questions
Why is humanin linked to longevity?
Higher levels have been reported in some long-lived people and in animals resistant to age-related decline, but a causal role in human longevity is not established.