Last reviewed: October 2026 · Cleared Peptides research team
Humanin is a 24-amino-acid peptide encoded by a short open reading frame within the mitochondrial 16S rRNA gene. It was discovered in 2001 by Hashimoto and colleagues and was the first of the mitochondrial-derived peptides, a family that now also includes MOTS-c.
Humanin Structure and Identifiers
| Name | Humanin |
|---|---|
| Synonyms | HN |
| CAS number | 330936-69-1 |
| PubChem CID | 16131438 |
| Molecular formula | C119H204N34O32S2 |
| Molecular weight | ≈2687.3 g/mol |
| Length | 24 amino acids |
| Form | Lyophilized powder |
Receptors and Binding Partners
Laboratory studies report that humanin interacts with a trimeric receptor complex (CNTFR/WSX-1/gp130), with formyl-peptide receptor-like 1 (FPRL1), and intracellularly with IGFBP-3 and the pro-apoptotic protein Bax.
Published In-Vitro Research Areas
- Cell-stress and cytoprotection models
- Receptor-binding studies
- Analog design (e.g. the S14G variant)
- Comparison with MOTS-c and SS-31
This summary describes laboratory research only and makes no claim about effects in humans or animals.
Purity Testing and Storage
Every lot of Humanin supplied by Cleared Peptides is tested by an independent laboratory for identity and purity (or composition, for multi-component preparations), and the lot Certificate of Analysis is published on our COA page. Store lyophilized Humanin at −20 °C, sealed, dry and protected from light. Allow the vial to reach room temperature before opening and minimize freeze–thaw cycles. Handle according to your institution’s chemical-hygiene procedures.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is humanin encoded?
In a short open reading frame within the mitochondrial 16S rRNA gene.
Is Humanin for human use?
No. Cleared Peptides supplies Humanin for laboratory research use only; it is not for human or veterinary use.
Selected References
Peer-reviewed literature on the compounds discussed in this guide, listed as scientific background for laboratory researchers. Citation does not imply endorsement by the authors or any use other than in-vitro research.
- Sreekumar PG, et al. Endoplasmic reticulum-mitochondrial crosstalk: a novel role for the mitochondrial peptide humanin. Neural Regen Res. 2017;12(1):35-38. PubMed 28250736 · DOI
Laboratory note: solubility depends on salt form and solvent. This guide does not state a single solubility figure. Handling of lyophilized material is described in the peptide storage guide.
Research Use Only Notice
This guide is provided for educational and laboratory reference purposes. It summarizes published, primarily in-vitro and structural research literature and does not describe, recommend or imply any use in humans or animals. Products sold by Cleared Peptides are for laboratory research use only; they are not drugs, foods, cosmetics or dietary supplements, are not FDA-approved, and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, mitigate or prevent any disease. No dosing, administration or therapeutic information is provided.
