Mitochondrial Function
Energy, mitophagy, and cellular optimization (MOTS-c, SS-31, 5-Amino-1MQ).
Overview
Mitochondrial peptide research targets the inner-mitochondrial-membrane lipid cardiolipin, mitochondrial-derived peptides (MDPs) encoded within the mitochondrial genome, and cofactors required for electron-transport-chain function. SS-31 (elamipretide) is the most clinically advanced, with FDA approval in 2025 for Barth syndrome, and ongoing investigation in heart failure, dry age-related macular degeneration, and Friedreich ataxia. MOTS-c is a 16-amino-acid mitochondrial-DNA-encoded peptide studied for metabolic-homeostasis effects. SS-31 and MOTS-c are mechanistically complementary: SS-31 stabilizes existing mitochondrial architecture, while MOTS-c acts as a systemic mitokine influencing nuclear gene expression. NAD+ supports the enzymatic substrate pool that drives oxidative phosphorylation and sirtuin signaling.
Biological Pathways
5-Amino-1MQ
Popular Name: 5-Amino-1-methylquinolinium, 5A1MQ, 5-amino-1-methylquinolinium salt
$XX.XX
AICAR
Popular Name: Acadesine, AICA-riboside, 5-aminoimidazole-4-carboxamide ribonucleotide
$XX.XX
Glutathione
Popular Name: GSH, L-Glutathione, Reduced glutathione
$XX.XX
Melatonin
Popular Name: N-acetyl-5-methoxytryptamine, Melatonin hormone, Pineal hormone
$XX.XX
MOTS-C
Popular Name: Mitochondrial ORF of 12S rRNA type-c, MOTS c, MOTS-c peptide
$XX.XX
NAD+
Popular Name: Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide, NAD, NAD+ coenzyme
$XX.XX