Humanin
Also known as: humanin peptide, HN peptide, mitochondrial peptide humanin, HN
Humanin is a small 24 amino acid peptide encoded in the mitochondrial genome, in the MT-RNR2 region. It is studied as a protective signal for nerve cells and as a factor in cell survival pathways tied to Alzheimer disease research.
Quick Reference
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Overview
Micropeptide encoded by mitochondrial DNA
Humanin is a micropeptide encoded in the mitochondrial genome by the 16S ribosomal RNA gene, MT-RNR2. Its structure contains a three-turn α-helix, and no symmetry.
Mechanism of Action
Humanin protects cells through several routes described in the literature. It binds a receptor complex that switches on JAK and STAT3 signaling, and it also acts at the formyl peptide receptors FPR2 and FPR3. Inside the cell it binds BAX and BID in ways that keep BAX from moving to mitochondria and triggering the release of cell death signals, and it can slow the formation of amyloid-beta fibrils in laboratory tests.
Research History
Humanin was identified through work searching for factors that protect neurons against cell death linked to familial Alzheimer disease genes and amyloid-beta proteins. Its mitochondrial origin later made it a reference example of mitochondria derived peptides.
What Researchers Are Saying
Community Reports - Not Medical Advice
The following is aggregated from public forums, Reddit, and research communities. These are anecdotal reports from researchers only - not verified clinical data and not a recommendation of any kind.
Humanin (also known as humanin peptide, HN peptide) is studied within the mitochondrial health and energy research community. Mitochondria-derived peptide studied for cytoprotection, neuroprotection, and metabolic regulation.
Last updated October 28, 2026
Research status: emerging. Humanin appears across mitochondrial health and energy research forums and academic literature. Researchers note this compound falls in the mitochondrial category.
Last updated October 28, 2026
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