Humanin
also known as HN, HNG, Gly[14]-humanin, MTRNR2
24-amino-acid mitochondrial-derived peptide encoded in the 16S rRNA region of mtDNA. Cytoprotective via direct binding to Bax, Bim, and tBid, preventing mitochondrial outer membrane permeabilization and caspase-dependent apoptosis. Studied in models of Alzheimer's disease, premature ovarian insufficiency, testicular aging, and bone growth retardation. Acts intracellularly and as a secreted factor via FPRL1/2 receptors.
At a glance
SQ · Experimental
Primary target — Intracellular: Bax, Bim, tBid (pro-apoptotic Bcl-2 family). Extracellular: FPRL1/2 G-protein-coupled receptors [zhu-2022][lue-2021].
Pathway — Humanin binds Bax/Bim → inhibits mitochondrial outer membrane permeabilization (MOMP) → blocks cytochrome c release → prevents caspase activation → cell survival.
Downstream effect — Suppression of apoptosis, mitochondrial stabilization, reduced oxidative stress, preservation of germ cells and neurons under stress [zhu-2022][lue-2021][velentza-2024].
Origin — Encoded by short open reading frame in mitochondrial 16S rRNA gene (MTRNR2). 24-28 amino acids. 13 homologous variants (MTRNR2L1-L13) identified. [zhu-2022][shahzaib-2026].
Feedback intact — Not applicable — peptide acts as anti-apoptotic signal, not hormonal axis.
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Standard experimental dose (HNG) | 4 mg/kg IP (rat)Most common dose in rodent models. |
| Ex vivo bone culture | 1 µg/mLProtective against venetoclax-induced bone growth retardation. |
| Frequency | Daily (IP) |
| Duration | 8–12 weeks in animal studies |
| Evidence basis | Animal models (rat, mouse) [huang-2025][el-2022][velentza-2024] |
| Human data | None — no clinical trials reported |
| Analog (HNG) | Gly[14]-humanin — more potent variantSubstitution at position 14 enhances cytoprotective activity. |
Reconstitution
A pure mass-to-volume utility. Enter what you have in the vial; the atlas computes the volume per dose. No prescription information.
No direct lipolysis or fat loss studies. Humanin is cytoprotective, not lipolytic.
| Outcome | Finding |
|---|---|
| Direct fat loss evidence | None |
| Mechanism overlap | Mitochondrial health may indirectly influence metabolic efficiency, but no quantified effect |
- — Unknown — no human data
- — Active malignancy (theoretical risk of anti-apoptotic effect on tumour cells)
- 01Route (experimental)
Intraperitoneal (IP) in animal models. Subcutaneous route untested. No human protocols exist.
- 02Reconstitution
Synthetic peptide reconstituted in sterile saline or PBS. No commercial formulation available.
- 03Timing
Daily administration in animal studies. Optimal timing not characterized.
- 04Storage
Lyophilised powder: -20 °C. Reconstituted: 4 °C, use within 7 days. Avoid freeze-thaw cycles.
- 05Human use
No FDA approval, no IND, no clinical trials. Experimental research tool only.
Sources
of 52 rendered claims carry a resolvable citation.
- [el-2022]El 2022 — Humanin Ameliorates Late-onset Hypogonadism in Aged Male Rats.
journal, 2022 - [huang-2025]Huang 2025 — Ameliorative effects of Gly[14]-humanin on cyclophosphamide-induced premature ovarian insufficiency and underlying mechanisms.
journal, 2025 - [lue-2021]Lue 2021 — The emerging role of mitochondrial derived peptide humanin in the testis.
journal, 2021 - [morris-2021]Morris 2021 — Inducible fold-switching as a mechanism to fibrillate pro-apoptotic BCL-2 proteins.
journal, 2021 - [shahzaib-2026]Shahzaib 2026 — Humanin as an evolutionarily tuned mitochondrial peptide: Insights from mammalian oxidative stress diversity.
journal, 2026 - [velentza-2024]Velentza 2024 — Humanin Treatment Protects Against Venetoclax-Induced Bone Growth Retardation in Ex Vivo Cultured Rat Bones.
journal, 2024 - [zhu-2022]Zhu 2022 — The Molecular Structure and Role of Humanin in Neural and Skeletal Diseases, and in Tissue Regeneration.
journal, 2022