In Vitro: Humanin (40 nM, rhodamine-conjugated; 30 min) inhibits cell death induced by Bax protein in wild-type HCT116 cells. Humanin (100 μM; 10 min) blocks Bax association with isolated mitochondria, and suppresses cytochrome c release in wild-type HCT116 cells. Humanin reduces half apoptosis induced by 0.2 mM STS. Humanin fails to suppress apoptosis in Bax-deficient HCT116 cells.
In Vivo: Humanin (0.375 mg/kg/hr; i.v.) increases peripheral insulin sensitivity in Zucker diabetic fatty (ZDF) rats.