Humanin
Also known as: HN · rattin (rodent homologue)
The first mitochondrial-derived peptide to be identified, encoded within the mitochondrial 16S rRNA gene.
Development status: Preclinical — laboratory and animal studies only
Identifiers and molecular characteristics
- CAS number
- Not verified
- Molecular formula
- Not verified
- Molecular mass
- Not verified
- Amino-acid sequence
- Not verified
- PubChem CID
- Not verified
Identifiers are published only with a source and a check date. Fields marked “not verified” have not yet been confirmed against a primary source — we show the gap rather than an unchecked figure. Always confirm against the certificate of analysis for the specific lot you hold.
Biological targets
- Reported interaction with apoptosis regulators and a trimeric cell-surface receptor complex
Mechanism of action
Described in the literature as cytoprotective, with reported interactions with apoptotic signalling proteins. Mechanistic detail remains an active research question.
Research evidence and its limits
Cell and animal studies, principally in neuronal and metabolic models.
Safety considerations
No regulatory authority has assessed this compound as safe or effective for any human indication. The published record is predominantly laboratory and animal work, which does not establish human safety. Supplied and discussed here strictly as a laboratory research material. Not a medicine, not for human or veterinary administration, and nothing on this page should be read as a dosing, treatment or safety recommendation.
Analytical identification and quality testing
Identity by high-resolution mass spectrometry against the expected mass, purity by RP-HPLC with UV detection. For a sequence-defined peptide, enzymatic digestion followed by peptide mapping gives far stronger identity evidence than mass alone, because isomers and closely related sequences can share a mass.
Regulatory status
Not an approved medicine.
References
- PubMed — search humaninreview
Related compounds
MOTS-c
A mitochondrial-derived peptide encoded within the mitochondrial 12S rRNA gene rather than the nuclear genome — a class of molecule only recognised comparatively recently.
SS-31 (elamipretide)
A short synthetic tetrapeptide with an alternating aromatic-cationic motif that associates with cardiolipin in the inner mitochondrial membrane. Investigational, with a substantial clinical trial record.
Entry last reviewed 2026-10-11. Regulatory status and scientific understanding change; verify against primary sources before relying on anything here.