Mitochondrial-Derived Peptide • Discovered 2001

Humanin: The Mitochondrial-Derived Peptide

📄 2 PubMed citations

By , HighPeptides Editor

Last updated: March 2026

Humanin is a 24-amino acid peptide encoded by mitochondrial DNA — the first discovered mitochondrial-derived peptide (MDP), identified in 2001. It exhibits cytoprotective, anti-apoptotic, and insulin-sensitizing properties across multiple cell types. Circulating humanin levels decline with age, making it a candidate biomarker for biological aging and metabolic health.

0
Amino Acids
in Sequence
0
Year
Discovered
0
Encoded by
Mitochondrial DNA
📋 On this page
  1. What Is Humanin?
  2. What the Research Shows
  3. Study Citations
  4. Key Takeaways
  5. 🔬 Verified Research Source
  6. 🛒 Recommended Products
  7. 🔗 Related Resources
Background

What Is Humanin?

Humanin is the first discovered mitochondrial-derived peptide (MDP) — encoded by mitochondrial DNA, not nuclear DNA.

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Encoded by mtDNA

A 24-amino acid peptide encoded by the mitochondrial genome — one of only a handful of known peptides derived from mtDNA.

🛡️
Cytoprotective & Anti-Apoptotic

Protects cells from various apoptotic triggers including amyloid-beta toxicity, ischemia/reperfusion injury, and oxidative stress.

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Insulin-Sensitizing

Improves insulin sensitivity and glucose metabolism. Shows promise in diabetes and metabolic syndrome models.

❤️
Cardiovascular Protection

Demonstrated protective effects against cardiac ischemia and vascular endothelial dysfunction.

Research

What the Research Shows

Preclinical data on Humanin's mechanisms.

⚠️ Research Stage Warning

All Humanin research is preclinical — cell culture and animal studies. No human clinical trials completed.

Neuroprotection (Alzheimer's Models)
Reduction in amyloid-beta induced cell death
Significant
Insulin Sensitivity
Enhanced glucose uptake in metabolic models
High
Cardiovascular Protection
Reduced infarct size post-ischemia
+50-60%
Sources

Study Citations

Study 1 — Discovery
Humanin: a novel genomic peptide encoded by mitochondrial DNA that suppresses apoptosis
Hashimoto Y et al. Proc Natl Acad Sci USA, 2001
PMID: 11274428
Study 2 — Alzheimer's
Humanin prevents amyloid-beta oligomer-induced cognitive impairment
Sponne I et al. Neurobiol Aging, 2010
PMID: 19371787
Bottom Line

Key Takeaways

✅ What We Know
  • First discovered mitochondrial-derived peptide (2001)
  • 24-amino acid sequence encoded by mtDNA
  • Broad cytoprotective effects in preclinical models
  • Reduces amyloid-beta toxicity in Alzheimer's studies
  • Improves insulin sensitivity
⚠️ What We Don't Know
  • No human clinical trial data exists
  • Optimal dosing protocols not established
  • Long-term safety in humans unknown
  • Therapeutic efficacy in humans unproven

🔬 Verified Research Source

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⚠️ Important Disclaimer

This page is for educational and informational purposes only. Humanin is a research peptide not approved by the FDA or any regulatory body. All data comes from preclinical studies (cell culture and animal models). No human clinical trials have been completed. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting any new substance.