Research Comparison

MOTS-c vs SS-31: Mitochondrial Peptide Research Comparison

MOTS-c and SS-31 are both studied in the context of mitochondrial function but operate through fundamentally different mechanisms. MOTS-c is a mitochondrial-derived peptide (MDP) encoded by the mitochondrial genome, while SS-31 is a synthetic tetrapeptide that targets the inner mitochondrial membrane.

Property
MOTS-c
SS-31
Amino Acids
16
4
MW
2,174.69 Da
640.76 Da
Origin
Mitochondrial genome (12S rRNA)
Synthetic (Szeto-Schiller)
CAS
1627580-64-6
736992-21-5
Target
AMPK pathway / nuclear gene regulation
Inner membrane cardiolipin
Clinical Stage
Preclinical
Phase 2/3 (multiple trials)

Mechanisms

MOTS-c is a 16-amino-acid MDP discovered by Lee et al. (2015, PMID: 25738459). It is the first mitochondrial-encoded peptide demonstrated to translocate to the nucleus and regulate nuclear gene expression. It activates AMPK signaling.

SS-31 (elamipretide) is a 4-amino-acid synthetic peptide (D-Arg-Dmt-Lys-Phe-NH2) that selectively concentrates in the inner mitochondrial membrane. Chavez et al. (2020, PMID: 32554501) mapped its protein interaction landscape, identifying cardiolipin as the primary binding target.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between MOTS-c and SS-31?+
MOTS-c is a 16-amino-acid mitochondrial-derived peptide that activates AMPK signaling. SS-31 is a 4-amino-acid synthetic peptide that binds cardiolipin in the inner mitochondrial membrane. They target different aspects of mitochondrial function.

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