Humanin
Overview
A 24-amino acid mitochondrial-derived peptide encoded within the 16S rRNA region of mitochondrial DNA. Humanin exerts cytoprotective and neuroprotective effects by interacting with IGFBP-3, BAX, and the FPRL-1 receptor. It inhibits apoptosis through suppression of the intrinsic mitochondrial death pathway and reduces amyloid-beta-induced neurotoxicity.
Key Research Findings
Discovered in 2001 as a survival factor against Alzheimer's disease-related neuronal death. Studies show protection against oxidative stress, atherosclerosis, and age-related cognitive decline. Circulating humanin levels inversely correlate with age and Alzheimer's disease progression (Hashimoto et al., PNAS, 2001).
Subcutaneous injection, Intravenous
Research Phase
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MOTS-c
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NAD+ Precursors (NMN)
In Clinical TrialsNicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN) is a direct biosynthetic precursor to nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+), a coenzyme essential for cellular metabolism, DNA repair (via sirtuins and PARPs), and circadian rhythm regulation. NAD+ levels decline with age, and NMN supplementation restores tissue NAD+ levels, activating SIRT1-mediated pathways that regulate mitochondrial biogenesis and oxidative stress resistance.
SS-31 (Elamipretide)
In Clinical TrialsA mitochondria-targeted tetrapeptide (D-Arg-dimethylTyr-Lys-Phe-NH2) that selectively concentrates in the inner mitochondrial membrane by binding to cardiolipin. SS-31 stabilizes cytochrome c interactions with cardiolipin, optimizing electron transport chain efficiency and reducing mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (ROS) production. It restores mitochondrial bioenergetics in aged and diseased tissues without acting as a conventional antioxidant scavenger.