Research Compound Comparison
SS-31 vs MOTS-c
SS-31 (Elamipretide) and MOTS-c are two mitochondria-targeting research peptides with distinct mechanisms. SS-31 concentrates in the inner mitochondrial membrane (IMM) to stabilize cardiolipin and protect the electron transport chain. MOTS-c is a mitochondria-derived peptide that activates AMPK via retrograde nuclear signaling. Together they cover complementary dimensions of mitochondrial biology.
| Parameter | SS-31 | MOTS-c |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Longevity | Longevity |
| Primary Receptor / Target | Cardiolipin / Inner Mitochondrial Membrane | AMPK / AICAR pathway |
| Half-Life | ~2–4 hours | ~2–4 hours |
| Molecular Weight | 640 Da | 2174 Da |
| HPLC Purity | Not published | Not published |
| COA | Batch-Specific | Batch-Specific |
| Price | See price | See price |
Mechanistic Comparison
SS-31 — Inner Mitochondrial Membrane Protection
SS-31 (D-Arg-Dmt-Lys-Phe-NH2) is a tetrapeptide that selectively concentrates in the inner mitochondrial membrane at approximately 1,000-fold higher concentration than cytoplasm. Its primary mechanism involves binding cardiolipin — a phospholipid uniquely present in the IMM critical for electron transport chain function. By stabilizing cardiolipin, SS-31 protects cristae architecture, reduces ROS production, and maintains ATP synthesis efficiency. Research applications focus on mitochondrial oxidative stress, ischemia-reperfusion injury models, and aging mitochondria biology.
MOTS-c — Mitochondrial-Nuclear Retrograde Signaling
MOTS-c is a 21-amino acid peptide encoded within the 12S rRNA region of mitochondrial DNA — one of the few identified mitochondria-derived peptides (MDPs). MOTS-c activates AMPK via the AICAR pathway, a key cellular energy sensor, through retrograde mitochondrial-nuclear signaling. Research applications include AMPK pathway studies, metabolic regulation research, insulin sensitivity models, and exercise physiology investigations.
Complementary Mechanisms
SS-31 works at the structural level — protecting IMM integrity and cardiolipin. MOTS-c works at the signaling level — activating AMPK to modulate cellular metabolism. Together they cover mitochondrial structural protection and mitochondrial-nuclear metabolic communication.