Humanin
EmergingAlso known as: MDP humanin · HN
A 24-amino-acid peptide encoded within mitochondrial DNA itself, part of a growing family of "mitochondrial-derived peptides" (alongside MOTS-c) studied in aging and cellular-stress biology.
Mechanism (plain language)
Binds proapoptotic proteins and a receptor complex involving gp130/WSX1/CNTF receptor subunits, giving it cytoprotective and neuroprotective effects in cell and animal models under toxic or metabolic stress.
What research suggests
Animal work shows humanin overexpression extends lifespan in C. elegans and improves metabolic and cognitive healthspan markers in aged mice. In humans, circulating humanin levels decline with age but are notably higher in children of centenarians, and levels are reduced in conditions like Alzheimer's disease—correlational human data, not interventional trials.
Uncertainties & risks
No human interventional trials of humanin or its analogues exist yet. Its short in-vivo half-life (roughly 20 minutes) limits translation, and mouse lifespan itself was not extended even though healthspan markers improved. Marketing claims exceed the current human evidence base.
Primary sources
Secondary citations for verification. Prefer the STACKD summary above for context before opening these.
- The mitochondrial derived peptide humanin is a regulator of lifespan and healthspan
2020 · animal
Humanin overexpression increased C. elegans lifespan and improved healthspan markers in aged mice; human centenarian offspring had higher circulating levels.
- High-intensity interval exercise increases humanin, a mitochondrial encoded peptide, in the plasma and muscle of men
2020 · human
Acute high-intensity exercise raised circulating and muscle humanin levels in men.