Metabolic · Mitochondrial-derived peptide
Small humanin-like peptide 3 (SHLP3)
Also known as SHLP3
A 38-residue small humanin-like peptide studied in mitochondrial bioenergetics, stress-response and signalling assays.
- Length
- 38 amino acids
- Half-life
- Not well characterised
- Mechanism
- SHLP3 has been associated with altered mitochondrial bioenergetics and apoptosis-related responses in cultured cells, with ERK and STAT3 signalling examined as downstream pathways. A definitive cognate receptor and a complete target-to-response mechanism remain unresolved.
- Studied in
- SHLP3 is studied in cultured-cell stress assays, mitochondrial bioenergetic experiments and rodent investigations of metabolic and inflammatory signalling.
About Small humanin-like peptide 3 (SHLP3)
At 38 amino acids, SHLP3 is the longest member of the six-peptide SHLP set described in 2016. Its sequence was proposed from a short open reading frame within MT-RNR2, the mitochondrial region encoding 16S ribosomal RNA. SHLP3 is not an extended humanin analogue: it represents a separate predicted peptide product. Initial functional studies investigated it alongside SHLP2, establishing a basis for comparative experiments on mitochondrial activity, apoptosis-associated processes and metabolic signalling in laboratory models.
Cell-based studies have reported SHLP3-associated changes in respiration, ATP-related measurements and responses to experimental stress. Its biological profile is not identical to SHLP2, and findings for one should not be transferred to the other. ERK and STAT3 measurements offer pathway-level information, while inflammatory readouts provide additional context in some animal experiments. Neither set of observations establishes a unique receptor. Direct target identification, endogenous peptide quantification and careful replication across model systems remain important areas for research.
Laboratory notes
- Use intact-mass analysis together with chromatographic purity data to assess identity and detect truncated or modified peptide species.
- Control culture medium, cell density and sampling time when comparing SHLP3 with SHLP2 in bioenergetic assays.
- For research use only. Check endotoxin where inflammatory readouts are involved, and confirm key responses with independent assay methods.
Storage and reconstitution basics: storage guide.
Questions about Small humanin-like peptide 3 (SHLP3)
Why is SHLP3 longer than the other listed SHLPs?
Its proposed short open reading frame specifies a 38-residue sequence; the numbering describes separate candidate peptides, not progressive truncations of one sequence.
Can SHLP2 serve as an identical substitute for SHLP3?
No. They differ in sequence, length and reported experimental behaviour, although they can be informative comparators.
Is the direct receptor for SHLP3 known?
A definitive cognate receptor has not been established. Downstream signalling observations should be interpreted separately from direct target evidence.
Is Small humanin-like peptide 3 (SHLP3) for human use?
No. It is supplied strictly for in-vitro laboratory research and is not for human or animal consumption.
Related research peptides
All products are sold for laboratory research use only. Not for human consumption, not a medicine, not for diagnosing, treating or preventing any condition.