Humanin Guide

Humanin is a 21-amino-acid mitochondria-derived peptide (MDP) encoded in the 16S rRNA region of mitochondrial DNA. As the founding member of the MDP class, Humanin protects neurons and cardiomyocytes from apoptosis via STAT3 and IGF-1R signaling. Circulating Humanin levels decline with age and are higher in centenarians — making it a compelling longevity and neuroprotection research target.

Humanin was discovered in 2001 by Dr. Ikuo Nishimoto at Keio University School of Medicine when he found that a peptide encoded in the mitochondrial 16S ribosomal RNA gene rescued neurons from Alzheimer's disease-related apoptosis in cell culture. This was a landmark discovery — demonstrating that the mitochondrial genome produces bioactive peptides with systemic functions beyond energy production.

Humanin is a 21-amino-acid peptide that is secreted from mitochondria and acts both intracellularly (blocking pro-apoptotic proteins BAX and BID) and extracellularly (binding cell surface receptors including the CNTFR-α/WSX-1/gp130 heterotrimeric receptor complex to activate STAT3). This dual intracellular-extracellular mechanism explains its broad protective effects across multiple tissues.

Crucially, Humanin circulates in the bloodstream at measurable levels — and these levels decline with age. A 2020 study found that centenarians (people 100+ years old) and their offspring had significantly higher plasma Humanin levels than age-matched controls, suggesting Humanin is a marker and possibly mediator of exceptional longevity. This association has made Humanin supplementation an active area of anti-aging research.

Store at -20°C. Reconstitute with bacteriostatic water. Human dosing is experimental — all use is off-label research. Use Shotlee to track doses, energy levels, and subjective vitality over your protocol.