SS-31 vs MOTS-c: Research Comparison

A Side-By-Side Research Comparison Of SS-31 And MOTS-c - two mitochondrial-targeted peptides in cellular-energy research. This Reference Compares Mechanism, Evidence Tier, Molecular Identity, And Pharmacokinetics For Qualified Researchers. For In Vitro Laboratory Research Use Only. Not Medical Advice Or Dosing Guidance.

Side-By-Side Comparison

SS-31 versus MOTS-c research comparison
	SS-31	MOTS-c
Category	Anti-Aging & Longevity	Weight Loss & Metabolism
Compound Class	Mitochondria-targeted tetrapeptide (D-Arg-dimethylTyr-Lys-Phe-NH2); cardiolipin-targeting	Mitochondrial-derived peptide (MDP) encoded within 12S rRNA of mitochondrial genome
Evidence Tier	Approved Drug	Research Compound
Molecular Target	Cardiolipin on inner mitochondrial membrane; scavenges mitochondrial ROS; stabilizes cristae architecture; restores respiratory chain efficiency	AMPK activation; folate-methionine cycle; AICAR-independent AMPK signaling; nuclear translocation for gene expression regulation
Molecular Weight	639.79 Da	2174.6 Da
Amino Acid Sequence	D-Arg-Dmt-Lys-Phe-NH2	MRWQEMGYIFYPRKLR
CAS Number	736992-21-5	1627580-64-6
Half-Life	~4 hours	~30 minutes
Studied For	Primary mitochondrial disease, Barth syndrome (cardiolipin deficiency), Heart failure / ischemia-reperfusion injury, Dry AMD (age-related macular degeneration)	Metabolic homeostasis, Insulin resistance / obesity, Exercise-mimetic research, AMPK activation

Open SS-31 And MOTS-c In The Interactive Comparison Tool

About SS-31

A mitochondria-protecting peptide newly approved for the rare Barth syndrome and studied broadly for mitochondrial and heart conditions.

Read The Full SS-31 Monograph

About MOTS-c

A mitochondrial exercise-mimetic peptide; banned in sport since 2024, mostly preclinical.

Read The Full MOTS-c Monograph

Key Differences

SS-31 is categorized under Anti-Aging & Longevity, while MOTS-c falls under Weight Loss & Metabolism.
Evidence tier differs: SS-31 is classified as Approved Drug; MOTS-c is classified as Research Compound.
Reported half-life differs: SS-31 at ~4 hours versus MOTS-c at ~30 minutes.
Primary molecular target differs: SS-31 acts on Cardiolipin on inner mitochondrial membrane; scavenges mitochondrial ROS; stabilizes cristae architecture; restores respiratory chain efficiency; MOTS-c acts on AMPK activation; folate-methionine cycle; AICAR-independent AMPK signaling; nuclear translocation for gene expression regulation.

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SS-31 · MOTS-c · Compare Tool · Research Library

This Comparison Is Provided For In Vitro Laboratory Research Use Only. Not For Human Consumption, Diagnosis, Or Treatment. See The Full Research Disclaimer.