Pinchas Cohen, MD

Characterization of the healthspan promoting activity of the mitochondrial peptide humanin

Mitochondria are important organelles in cells that control energy production. Their function is central to aging and longevity. Earlier research has established that levels of humanin (HN), a previously unknown mitochondrial-derived peptide (MDP), play a key role in this regard.

It has been found that HN levels fall with age and correlate with lifespan in various mouse models. Importantly, HN overexpression or chronic administration to various organisms leads to healthspan and lifespan extension. Furthermore, HN administration to mouse models protects them from a variety of insults and delays the development of various diseases of aging, including diabetes, atherosclerosis, and Alzheimer’s disease.

Dr. Cohen is further studying the healthspan-promoting effects of HN and is working to decipher the mechanisms involved. His goal is to determine if HN levels are related to longevity and the body’s response to aging-delaying interventions, such as caloric restriction. Dr. Cohen’s findings could lead to the development of new medicines to treat diseases of aging, as well as new methods of delaying age-related processes.