Other · Putative mitochondrial-derived peptide
Small humanin-like peptide 4 (SHLP4)
Also known as SHLP4
A 26-residue candidate mitochondrial-derived peptide used in exploratory comparisons of small humanin-like peptide biology.
- Length
- 26 amino acids
- Half-life
- Not well characterised
- Mechanism
- The molecular mechanism of SHLP4 remains poorly characterised, with no established cognate receptor or validated direct target. Its proposed mitochondrial sequence origin does not by itself demonstrate mitochondrial localisation or engagement of humanin-associated signalling pathways.
- Studied in
- SHLP4 is investigated principally through exploratory cultured-cell comparisons assessing viability and stress-related responses across the SHLP family.
About Small humanin-like peptide 4 (SHLP4)
SHLP4 is a 26-amino-acid candidate peptide from the six-member small humanin-like peptide group introduced in 2016. Its proposed coding sequence lies within the mitochondrial MT-RNR2 region, which encodes 16S ribosomal RNA and contains other reported peptide-associated short open reading frames. The SHLP4 designation identifies a distinct sequence rather than a modified version of SHLP2 or SHLP3. Synthetic material enables controlled comparisons, although its availability does not resolve questions about endogenous translation or processing.
Published mechanistic characterisation of SHLP4 is limited relative to the better-studied SHLP2 and SHLP3. There is no established receptor assignment, and mitochondrial origin should not be interpreted as proof that an externally supplied research peptide enters mitochondria. Exploratory assays can examine viability, apoptosis-associated markers and stress responses, provided results are supported by appropriate sequence and preparation controls. Direct localisation studies and sequence-specific analytical detection would address different questions from functional screening and should be interpreted independently.
Laboratory notes
- Confirm the reference sequence before ordering or comparing datasets; SHLP4 should not be treated as a generic humanin analogue.
- Validate solubility and peptide recovery in the selected buffer rather than assuming handling conditions transfer from another SHLP.
- For research use only. Localisation experiments require controls for free label and labelled-peptide integrity, since tagging may alter peptide behaviour.
Storage and reconstitution basics: storage guide.
Questions about Small humanin-like peptide 4 (SHLP4)
Does the name SHLP4 identify a known signalling pathway?
No. It identifies a member of a sequence-defined candidate peptide group, not an established receptor or signalling mechanism.
Is SHLP4 necessarily located in mitochondria?
No. Proposed genomic origin and experimentally demonstrated subcellular localisation are separate matters.
What is needed to distinguish SHLP4-specific activity from assay artefacts?
Useful controls include a matched vehicle, an appropriate sequence control, peptide-only assay blanks and an independent readout of the same biological process.
Is Small humanin-like peptide 4 (SHLP4) 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.