Humanin is a 24-amino acid peptide encoded by a short open reading frame within the mitochondrial 16S ribosomal RNA gene. It was discovered in 2001 during a functional screen for genes that protect against Alzheimer's disease-related neuronal death. Humanin represents the first cytoprotective peptide known to be encoded by mitochondrial DNA. The peptide exerts potent protective effects against various cellular stresses, including oxidative stress, serum deprivation, and amyloid beta toxicity. Humanin levels decline with age, and this decline correlates with various age-related conditions. The peptide signals through multiple pathways including the STAT3 pathway via binding to the CNTFR/WSX-1/gp130 receptor complex and through direct interaction with IGFBP-3 and Bax proteins.
| Research Status | Preclinical |
|---|---|
| Half-Life | Unknown |
| Administration | Subcutaneous injection |
| Typical Dosage | 1-5 mg |
| Molecular Weight | 2,687 Da |
| Molecular Formula | C118H204N38O32S2 |
Binds to multiple receptors including IGFBP-3 and BAX, preventing apoptosis and protecting cells from stress.
All information is presented for Research Use Only (RUO). Not medical advice.