Comparison
Humanin vs. Kisspeptin-10
Two peptides side-by-side — identity, evidence base, legal status and known adverse events.
Identity
Category
Research other
Research other
CAS no.
330936-69-1
374675-21-5
Molecular weight
2687.27 g/mol
1302.44 g/mol
Half-life
no data
0.07 h
Sequence
Met-Ala-Pro-Arg-Gly-Phe-Ser-Cys-Leu-Leu-Leu-Leu-Thr-Ser-Glu-Ile-Asp-Leu-Pro-Val-Lys-Arg-Arg-AlaH-Tyr-Asn-Trp-Asn-Ser-Phe-Gly-Leu-Arg-Phe-NH2Mechanism of action
Humanin
Humanin arises from a short open reading frame within the 16S rRNA region of the mitochondrial genome (MT-RNR2) — it is therefore not encoded by nuclear DNA. Mechanistically, preclinical work describes a cytoprotective, anti-apoptotic effect via multiple pathways: an extracellular interaction with a trimeric receptor complex of gp130, CNTFR and WSX-1 with downstream activation of JAK2/STAT3 signalling, as well as intracellular interactions including inhibition of the pro-apoptotic protein BAX (and of tBID), binding to IGFBP-3 with modulation of the IGF-1 axis, and interaction with FPRL1/FPRL2 receptors. These models derive predominantly from cell culture and rodents; the extent to which they reflect human physiology after administration of exogenous synthetic humanin is not established by controlled human trials.
Kisspeptin-10
Kisspeptin-10 comprises the ten C-terminal amino acids sufficient for binding to the KISS1R receptor (also GPR54). KISS1R is a G-protein-coupled receptor expressed predominantly on GnRH neurons in the hypothalamus. Activation signals through the Gq/11-phospholipase C pathway to release gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH), which in turn drives the pituitary to secrete luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH). Kisspeptin signaling is regarded as an indispensable trigger of puberty; inactivating mutations in KISS1R are associated with absent puberty (idiopathic hypogonadotropic hypogonadism). Beyond the reproductive axis, KISS1R expression is described in limbic brain regions, discussed as a possible mechanism for the effects on sexual and emotional processing observed in imaging studies.
Evidence base
Highest evidence
Human trial
Human RCT
Studies
4
4
of which in humans
1
4
Effects recorded
4
4
Open conflicts
1
1
Documented adverse events
0
1
Legal status
Full entries
Frequently asked questions
- What is the difference between Humanin and Kisspeptin-10?
- Humanin is classified as "Research other", while Kisspeptin-10 is classified as "Research other". Humanin: Humanin is a 24-amino-acid mitochondrial-encoded peptide (mitochondrial-derived peptide, MDP) whose open reading frame lies within the 16S rRNA region (gene MT-RNR2) of mitochondrial DNA. It is considered the founding member of the MDP family and was discovered in 2001 by the Hashimoto/Nishimoto group while searching for neuroprotective factors in the brain of an Alzheimer's patient. In basic research (including the laboratory of Pinchas Cohen) humanin is described as a cytoprotective, anti-apoptotic peptide and is studied in the contexts of Alzheimer's/neuroprotection, metabolism/insulin action and aging. The evidence comes almost entirely from cell and animal models and from observations of endogenous levels in humans; controlled human trials of exogenous humanin as a therapeutic are lacking. It is not approved as a medicine anywhere and is traded on the grey market as a research chemical. Kisspeptin-10: Kisspeptin-10 is the shortest bioactive fragment (10 amino acids) of the endogenous neuropeptide kisspeptin, encoded by the KISS1 gene. It acts as an agonist at the KISS1R (GPR54) receptor and stimulates hypothalamic GnRH neurons, driving release of LH and FSH. Kisspeptin is a master switch of puberty and reproduction and is studied in humans, notably by the group of Waljit Dhillo (Imperial College London), in reproductive disorders and in sexual and emotional brain processing. It is not an approved drug. This page contrasts both neutrally and source-based — with no usage or dosing recommendation.
- Which peptide is better supported by science, Humanin or Kisspeptin-10?
- The highest available evidence level is "Human trial" for Humanin and "Human RCT" for Kisspeptin-10. A higher evidence level means more robust data, but says nothing about suitability for an individual. The full body of evidence is on each peptide's own page.
- What is the legal status of Humanin and Kisspeptin-10 in Germany and the United States?
- Germany: Humanin — Unapproved, Kisspeptin-10 — Unapproved. United States: Humanin — Research only, Kisspeptin-10 — Research only. These are factual summaries with source and review date on the individual pages.