SHLP2
A mitochondrial-derived small humanin-like peptide studied preclinically for insulin-sensitizing and cytoprotective effects.
Overview
SHLP2 is a small humanin-like peptide, a member of the mitochondrial-derived peptide family encoded by short open reading frames in mitochondrial DNA. These peptides were identified through studies of mitochondrial stress signaling, and SHLP2 has drawn attention for reported insulin-sensitizing and cytoprotective properties in preclinical work.
Mechanism
Mitochondrial-derived peptides are proposed to act as retrograde signals from mitochondria to the rest of the cell. SHLP2 has been reported to improve glucose metabolism and protect cells from oxidative and metabolic stress in cell and animal studies. Its receptor and downstream signaling pathways remain incompletely defined.
Expected Effects
- Improved insulin sensitivity reported in rodent metabolic studies
- Cytoprotective effects in cell models of metabolic stress
- Reported associations between circulating peptide levels and metabolic health measures in observational human studies
Side Effects & Tolerability
No systematic human safety data exist. SHLP2 research is at an early preclinical stage, and any human use is unsupported by clinical evidence.
Storage
Store lyophilized peptide cold and desiccated, protected from light and moisture. Reconstituted aliquots should be refrigerated or frozen with minimal freeze-thaw cycles.