Page data last changed: . Chemistry registry snapshot: . Registry refreshes and identity assessments are separate from scientific content review.
The first mitochondria-derived peptide discovered — a hub of longevity research.
Also known as: HN · MT-RNR2-derived peptide
Part of the Neuropeptides & signaling cluster
Overview
Humanin is a mitochondrial-derived peptide encoded within the MT-RNR2 (16S rRNA) gene and was the first such peptide discovered. It is studied as a cytoprotective signaling molecule in aging and neuroprotection research. It is not an approved therapeutic in Canada.
Source & context
Biological / chemical source: Encoded within the mitochondrial 16S rRNA gene (MT-RNR2)
Primary research or clinical context: Research peptide; not an approved drug in Canada
A mitochondrial messenger
Humanin is encoded inside the mitochondrial genome and is the founding member of the mitochondria-derived peptide (MDP) family, alongside compounds like MOTS-c. The cytosolic form is 24 residues (MAPRGFSCLLLLTSEIDLPVKRRA), while a shorter mitochondrially translated variant is about 21 residues.
Research directions
Laboratory studies have examined humanin in the context of cellular stress responses, neuroprotection, and metabolic signaling, which is why it appears frequently in longevity discussions. Most evidence is preclinical; human clinical data remain limited, so claims should be interpreted carefully.
Why it is searched
Interest in mitochondrial peptides and aging biology has pushed humanin into popular longevity content. This page summarizes its biology for educational purposes and does not provide dosing, protocols, or therapeutic recommendations.
Sequence
One-letter sequence commonly cited for Humanin (educational; isoforms and modifications may differ):
MAPRGFSCLLLLTSEIDLPVKRRA
Residues plotted ~100° apart around an α-helix — clustering of one color reveals an amphipathic face.
Structure & chemistry
Molecular identity & reference confidence
Source-supported reference
Reference values are taken from the cited molecular record or curated profile. A database match is not independent laboratory verification; modifications, counter-ions, and formulations can change the measured mass.
- Molecular form
- Humanin (source record; form not independently established)
- Species
- Not established by this molecular identity audit
- Termini (N / C)
- Not specified / Not specified
Average reference mass
Reference policy updated: 2026-10-05
- IUPHAR/BPS source snapshot · 2026-10-01
- PubChem molecular record · 2026-10-01
- Molecular formula
- C119H204N34O32S2
- Average reference mass
- ≈ 2,687.2
- PubChem CID: 16131438
- IUPHAR ligand: 1047
- CAS RN: 330936-69-1
- UNII: H975EUX36G
Chemistry values: PubChem, IUPHAR/BPS Guide to Pharmacology · fetched 2026-10-01.
Clinical development snapshot
ClinicalTrials.gov lists 3 registered studies with “Humanin” as an intervention (snapshot 2026-09-06). A registry footprint is not evidence of efficacy or approval.
| NCT | Title | Phase | Status | Updated |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NCT07678073 | Comparison of the Effects of General Anesthesia and Combined Spinal-Epidural Anesthesia on Ferroptosis, Humani | Not applicable | recruiting | 2026-07-08 |
| NCT06105229 | Clinical Value of Plasma Humanin in Acute Kidney Injury | — | unknown | 2023-10-27 |
| NCT03431844 | Humanin Isoforms in Cardiac Muscle and Blood Plasma and Major Complications After Cardiac Operation | — | completed | 2020-08-05 |
Humanin — reconstitution calculator
Enter how much peptide is in the vial and how much diluent (e.g. bacteriostatic water) is added. The tool returns the resulting solution concentration — and, for any amount you type, the volume it corresponds to. This is educational arithmetic, not a dosing recommendation.
Reference form: Humanin (source record; form not independently established)Average reference mass: 2,687.2 Da
Enter an amount to see the volume it corresponds to.
Educational concentration mathematics only. This tool does not recommend a dose, amount, or protocol, and nothing here is medical advice. Many peptides are not authorized by Health Canada for human use — see our reconstitution and bacteriostatic-water guides for context.
FAQ about Humanin
What is Humanin?+
Humanin is a mitochondrial-derived peptide encoded within the MT-RNR2 (16S rRNA) gene and was the first such peptide discovered. It is studied as a cytoprotective signaling molecule in aging and neuroprotection research. It is not an approved therapeutic in Canada.
What Canadian product status is recorded for Humanin?+
Canadian product status for Humanin has not been verified in this profile. No verified record here does not mean no authorization exists. Status depends on the product, formulation and use; consult Health Canada's product records.
What is the typical length of Humanin?+
Humanin is commonly described as approximately 24 amino acids (Mitochondrial-derived peptide (MDP)).
Related peptides
References & further reading
- 1.Rochette (2020). Humanin: A mitochondria-derived peptide with emerging properties. Ann Cardiol Angeiol (Paris)
- 2.Maraux et al. (2025). HUMANIN produced by human efferocytic macrophages promotes the resolution of inflammation. Cell Death Dis
- 3.Hazafa et al. (2021). Humanin: A mitochondrial-derived peptide in the treatment of apoptosis-related diseases. Life Sci
- 4.Matsuoka et al. (2010). Humanin and the receptors for humanin. Mol Neurobiol
- 5.Zuccato et al. (2019). Mitochondrial-derived peptide humanin as therapeutic target in cancer and degenerative diseases. Expert Opin Ther Targets
- 6.Lue et al. (2021). The emerging role of mitochondrial derived peptide humanin in the testis. Biochim Biophys Acta Gen Subj
- 7.Lei et al. (2022). The role of humanin in the regulation of reproduction. Biochim Biophys Acta Gen Subj
- 8.Xiao et al. (2016). Humanin: Functional Interfaces with IGF-I. Growth Horm IGF Res
- 9.PubChem — compound summary for Humanin (CID 16131438)
- 10.Wikipedia — Humanin