At a glance
- Class
- Mitochondrial-derived peptide
- Receptor targets
- Intracellular and cell-surface binding partners (BAX, IGFBP-3, receptor complexes)
- Length
- 24 amino acids (21 in the mitochondrial form)
- Molecular mass
- ≈ 2.69 kDa
- Origin
- Encoded in the mitochondrial genome (MT-RNR2); research material is synthetic
- Research area
- Mitochondrial & metabolic ageing
- Also known as
- HN
What Humanin is
Humanin is encoded within the 16S ribosomal RNA gene of mitochondrial DNA. Translated in the cytosol it is 24 amino acids long; translated in mitochondria it is 21, and both forms are biologically active in published work.
It was first identified in a screen for factors that protect neurons, and has since been studied for effects on cell stress, apoptosis and metabolism. It is a close relative, in concept, of MOTS-c, another mitochondrial-derived peptide.
What the research literature studies
- Cell-survival signalling under oxidative and amyloid stress in cell models
- Binding to BAX and IGFBP-3 in biochemical assays
- Metabolic effects of humanin analogues in rodents
Evidence rating: 2/5
Mostly animal and in vitro. Mostly cell and rodent studies. Analogues have been tested more than the native peptide. See our methodology for how levels are assigned.
- The native peptide is unstable in biological fluids, so many studies use modified analogues.
- There is almost no controlled human data.
Regulatory status
Humanin is not an approved medicine in any major jurisdiction. Research-grade material must not be used in people or animals.
Reviewed November 2026.
Humanin at Nordapep: sizes and price per mg
Every size, its price and the cost per milligram, so you can choose the best-value vial for your protocol.
Not currently listed at Nordapep.
Compare Humanin
Humanin FAQ
How does humanin differ from MOTS-c?
Both are mitochondrial-derived peptides, but they are encoded in different mitochondrial genes and have different sequences and reported targets. See the comparison pages for details.
Why is humanin called mitochondrial-derived?
Because its gene sits in the mitochondrial genome rather than in the nucleus.
Where can I buy Humanin for research?
Nordapep does not currently list Humanin. You can ask Nordapep about availability, or compare related compounds that are in stock.
Is Humanin approved?
Humanin is not an approved medicine in any major jurisdiction. Research-grade material must not be used in people or animals.
Key terms for Humanin
Cite this page
peptide.wiki. (2026). Humanin: research peptide profile. peptide.wiki. https://www.peptide.wiki/peptides/humanin