Humanin
preclinicalAlso known as: HN, HNG analog
**Mechanism of Action** Humanin (HN) is a 24-amino acid mitochondrial-derived peptide that exerts cytoprotective effects primarily through binding to a heterotrimeric receptor complex comprising ciliary neurotrophic factor receptor α (CNTFR), gp130, and WSX-1. This interaction activates downstream signaling pathways, including STAT3 and PI3K/Akt, which suppress apoptosis by inhibiting Bax translocation and cytochrome c release. Additionally, Humanin enhances insulin sensitivity by reducing endoplasmic reticulum stress and modulating JNK activity, while also attenuating oxidative stress via upregulation of antioxidant enzymes. **Key Research Findings** Preclinical studies demonstrate that Humanin protects against neuronal cell death in models of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) by reducing amyloid-β toxicity and tau hyperphosphorylation. In cardiovascular models, it mitigates ischemia-reperfusion injury and improves mitochondrial function. The analog HNG (Humanin with a glycine substitution at position 14) shows enhanced potency and stability. Humanin also improves metabolic parameters in diabetic rodent models, including reduced fasting glucose and improved glucose tolerance, through mechanisms involving AMPK activation and suppression of hepatic gluconeogenesis. **Clinical Relevance** Despite robust preclinical evidence for neuroprotection, metabolic regulation, and anti-aging effects, Humanin has not advanced to human clinical trials. Its short half-life and limited bioavailability remain key translational barriers. Current research focuses on developing stable analogs and delivery systems to harness its therapeutic potential for age-related diseases, including AD, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular disorders. For research purposes only — not medical advice.
Key data
C119H204N34O32S2Research & studies
MDPs, including humanin, MOTS-c, and SHLPs, show promise for treating AD, PD, and HD.; MDPs mitigate Amyloid-beta toxicity in AD, dopaminergic neuron loss in PD, and mutant huntingtin aggregation in HD.; MDPs attenuate oxidative stress and neuroinflammation in neurodegenerative models.; Current research lacks precise molecular pathway understanding, targeted delivery methods, and clinical translation.
Human efferocytic macrophages show common modulation of mitochondrial metabolism-related genes, including PLIN5 and MTLN.; HUMANIN (MT-RNR2) is produced early during resolution of inflammation in a mouse peritonitis model.; Preventive HUMANIN administration reduces leukocyte infiltration and pro-inflammatory cytokines in mice.; HUMANIN dampens pro-inflammatory cytokine secretion in primary human neutrophils and is detected in human periodontitis gingival fluid.
Humanin and GAS5 were significantly downregulated in precancerous lesions and prostate cancer compared to benign prostatic hyperplasia.; Exosomal miR-21 showed outstanding discriminative power between BPH and precancerous lesions (AUC = 1.000) and between precancerous lesions and prostate cancer (AUC = 0.9932).; MOTS-c levels were elevated in precancerous lesions compared to BPH, suggesting involvement in early malignant transformation.; A plasma-only model combining Humanin, GAS5, and MOTS-c achieved 95% cross-validated classification accuracy across clinical groups.
HN expression is downregulated in IDD patients, and this is corroborated in cell and rat IDD models.; Exogenous HN triggers endogenous HN expression and impedes JAK2/STAT3 and NF-κB pathways, mitigating erastin-induced ferroptosis in NP cells, dependent on HSP27 upregulation.; HN preserves mitochondrial homeostasis, curbing mtROS generation and mtDNA leakage, thereby hindering mtDNA-TLR9 binding and NF-κB pathway activation.; In vivo, HN treatment ameliorates IDD progression induced by annulus fibrosus puncture in rats.
MDPs regulate apoptosis, inflammation, and oxidative stress, key processes in cardiovascular disease.; MDP levels decrease with aging and in the presence of CVDs, indicating potential as diagnostic biomarkers.; MDPs may offer a novel therapeutic strategy for treating cardiovascular diseases.; The review covers MDP biogenesis, types, and mechanisms linking them to CVD onset and progression.
Myeloid cells and GBM interaction activates GP130 signaling to induce chemoresistance.; Humanin peptide promotes TMZ resistance via DDR activation at nanomolar concentrations.; GP130 blockade reduces both DDR activity and BTB formation, enhancing chemotherapy.; A translatable strategy with predictive markers for improving GBM chemotherapy is outlined.
Significant differences were found in three CD4+ T cell clusters and one monocyte cluster between narcolepsy and multiple sclerosis patients.; Over 1000 genes were differentially regulated between narcolepsy type 1 patients and controls.; The most strongly upregulated genes in narcolepsy patients were MTRNR2L12 and MTRNR2L8, which encode peptides homologous to HUMANIN.
Three types of MDPs (Humanin, MOTS-c, SHLP1-6) are encoded by mitochondrial ribosomal RNA genes, with distinct strand origins.; MDPs use non-standard genetic codes, including alternative start codons and stop codon reassignments.; MDPs attenuate disease pathology in type 1, type 2, and gestational diabetes, as well as other conditions like Alzheimer's and cardiovascular disease.; The review highlights evolutionary pressures for conservation of MDP amino acid sequences.
Frequently asked questions
What is Humanin?
**Mechanism of Action** Humanin (HN) is a 24-amino acid mitochondrial-derived peptide that exerts cytoprotective effects primarily through binding to a heterotrimeric receptor complex comprising ciliary neurotrophic factor receptor α (CNTFR), gp130, and WSX-1. This interaction activates downstream signaling pathways, i
How does Humanin work?
Mitochondrial-derived 24-aa peptide with cytoprotective, anti-apoptotic, and insulin-sensitizing effects in aging and neurodegeneration models.
What is the research status of Humanin?
Humanin is currently classified as preclinical, with 540 research references on record. This is for research purposes only and is not medical advice.
What is the molecular weight of Humanin?
Humanin has a molecular weight of approximately 2687.2 g/mol (formula C119H204N34O32S2).
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