Humanin

Research

Humanin (HN)

Aliases
Mitochondrial-derived peptide (MDP)
Administration
Subcutaneous injection (research)

Overview

Humanin is one of a growing family of mitochondrial-derived peptides (alongside MOTS-c) — small proteins encoded within mitochondrial DNA that act as signaling molecules throughout the body. First discovered for its neuroprotective effects against Alzheimer's-related cell death, it's now studied broadly for anti-apoptotic and metabolic roles, with circulating levels declining with age.

Treatments studied

Treatment categories

Neurodegeneration (preclinical)

Blocks the cell-death signaling pathway implicated in neurodegenerative processes.

Age-related metabolic decline (preclinical)

Mitochondrial-derived signaling is linked to improved insulin sensitivity in preclinical models.