What is humanin, and what is it studied for?
Humanin is a 24-residue peptide, formula C119H204N34O32S2, mass 2687.2, encoded by a short open reading frame within the mitochondrial 16S ribosomal RNA gene, one of the first mitochondrial-derived peptides identified. It is studied in cell models for cytoprotective signalling through a gp130-containing receptor complex and for interaction with the pro-apoptotic protein Bax. The material here is for in-vitro research only.
What is the structure of Humanin?
Twenty-four residues with free termini, two methionines and a cysteine, which makes it one of the more oxidation-prone sequences in the catalogue. The sequence depends on which genetic code is used to translate the mitochondrial reading frame, a point the humanin certificate post discusses. Mass 2687.2 is confirmed by LC-MS/MS on the current certificates.
| Identifier | Value |
|---|---|
| Molecular formula | C119H204N34O32S2 |
| Molecular weight | 2687.2 g/mol |
| Residues | 24 |
| CAS number | 330936-69-1 |
| PubChem CID | 16131438 |
| Current lot | HUM10-0803 |
How is Humanin thought to work?
Two mechanisms are described: binding to a cell-surface receptor complex containing gp130 and the ciliary neurotrophic factor receptor, activating STAT3 signalling, and direct binding to Bax that prevents its activation, reported by Guo and colleagues in 2003. Hashimoto and colleagues first described its cytoprotective effect in neuronal cells in 2001.
Which research areas use Humanin?
| Area | Typical models and endpoints |
|---|---|
| Cytoprotection assays | Neuronal and other cell lines under toxic or oxidative challenge. |
| Bax and apoptosis | Mitochondrial membrane-permeabilisation assays. |
| gp130 receptor signalling | STAT3 phosphorylation readouts. |
| Mitochondrial-derived peptides | Comparison with MOTS-c and SS-31, which act by different mechanisms. |
What does the published literature show?
Hashimoto et al. (PNAS, 2001) described humanin as a factor protecting neuronal cells; Guo et al. (Nature, 2003) reported the Bax interaction. Later work from Cohen and others places it among the mitochondrial-derived peptides. There is no clinical programme; research use is in-vitro and preclinical.
How is Humanin handled in the laboratory?
Dissolves in water with swirling. Two methionines and a cysteine: protect from light and air, minimise headspace, and avoid metal ions; a cysteine can also dimerise, which appears as a doubled mass. Store lyophilized at minus 20 °C; aliquot and freeze. The concentration table covers volumes and syringe units; the storage guide covers stability by compound class.
What does the current certificate show?
Lot HUM10-0803 tested at 99.79% purity by RP-HPLC (214 nm), identity confirmed by LC-MS/MS, endotoxin <0.05 EU/mL. The certificate is in the COA library and the lot number on the vial matches it. Sold as 10 mg per vial at $150, for laboratory research only.
Certificate history for Humanin
Every certificate the library holds for this compound, newest first. A replaced lot stays listed so the history can be read; the certificate dataset reads all 114 together.
| Lot | Issued | Size | Identity | Purity | Content | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| HUM10-0803 | Aug 17, 2026 | 10 mg | LC-MS/MS | 99.79% | 10.60 mg | Current |
| HUM10-0713 | Aug 17, 2026 | 10 mg | LC-MS/MS | 99.78% | 10.29 mg | Current |
Frequently asked questions
Why does the sequence depend on a genetic code?
Because the reading frame sits in mitochondrial DNA, and mitochondrial and cytoplasmic codes translate two codons differently, giving 21- or 24-residue versions. The catalogue material is the 24-residue form, as the certificate mass confirms.
What does the current certificate show?
Lot HUM10-0803: identity by LC-MS/MS at 2687.2, purity 99.79% by RP-HPLC at 214 nm, content 10.60 mg, endotoxin below 0.05 EU/mL. Issued 17 August 2026.
How does humanin differ from MOTS-c?
Both are mitochondrial-derived peptides, but humanin is 24 residues from the 16S rRNA gene acting through a surface receptor and Bax, and MOTS-c is 16 residues from the 12S gene acting through AMPK.
References
- Hashimoto Y, Niikura T, Tajima H, et al. A rescue factor abolishing neuronal cell death by a wide spectrum of familial Alzheimer's disease genes and Abeta. Proc Natl Acad Sci USA. 2001;98(11):6336-6341.
- Guo B, Zhai D, Cabezas E, et al. Humanin peptide suppresses apoptosis by interfering with Bax activation. Nature. 2003;423(6938):456-461.
- PubChem CID 16131438, Humanin. National Library of Medicine. Read 2 October 2026.
Clinical results cited above describe regulated trials of pharmaceutical products and are given as context for research interest only. Nothing on this page describes or recommends use of the material sold here in humans or animals.
Humanin 10 mg
$150 per vial
Lot HUM10-0803 · 99.79% RP-HPLC (214 nm) · certificate published
View productRelated
- MOTS-c research guide · MOTS-c 10 mg
- SS-31 research guide · SS-31 10 mg
- MOTS-c: what the certificate for lot MOTS10-0803 shows, and why two methionines and a tryptophan decide how it is handled
- SS-31 (elamipretide): a four-residue peptide with a D-arginine and a dimethyltyrosine, the certificate for lot SS31-10-0803, and the approval granted in September 2025
- Where a lyophilized peptide's expiry date comes from: what degrades in a dry vial, what accelerated studies predict, and why these certificates carry an issue date and no expiry
- What are mitochondrial-derived peptides?
- Glossary of certificate terms
