Humanin (10mg)

Humanin is an endogenously occurring unique peptide encoded by mitochondrial DNA. The peptide may exist in two different forms found in the cell: a 21 amino acid sequence found inside the cell’s mitochondria, and a 24 amino acid sequence found outside the cell’s cytosol. Both forms appear to act as cytoprotective proteins and may protect cells from the process of apoptosis (programmed cell death) by interfering with the operation of the Bcl2-related X protein (Bax).^[1]

Bax is considered a pro-apoptotic protein that promotes apoptosis by disrupting the mitochondrial outer membrane. It is believed to facilitate the release of cytochrome c from mitochondria into the cytosol, which then triggers a cascade of events leading to cell death. By interfering with Bax’s function, Humanin may help support the initiation of this apoptotic pathway. Researchers posit that Humanin may “[support] the translocation of Bax from the cytosol to mitochondria. Conversely, reducing Humanin expression by small interfering RNAs sensitizes cells to Bax and increases Bax translocation to membranes.”

Apart from research into its possible interaction with Bax, Humanin studies suggest the peptide may also bind with other intracellular molecules, such as actinin-4 and phosphoprotein 8, which are both involved in cellular apoptosis. Binding with these proteins is also thought to contribute to Humanin’s cytoprotective potential.^[2] Thus, studies suggest that Humanin may be important for protecting a variety of cells, most notably neurons. In addition, studies also suggest it may have a protective potential for cells in heart tissue, muscle cells, the retina of the eye, and the lining of blood vessels.