Cart
Oops, your cart is still empty
Looks like you haven’t added anything yet. Start exploring our products and find what you need.
Mitochondrial-Targeted Research Peptides: A Complete Overview
These materials are research-grade reference compounds sold for laboratory research use only. They are not for human or veterinary use.
A small but growing group of compounds is studied for its interaction with mitochondria, the organelles responsible for cellular energy. Some are peptides in the strict sense; others are small non-peptide research chemicals often grouped alongside them because they share a mitochondrial or metabolic research context. This overview maps the area, keeps the peptide and non-peptide members clearly separated, and links to each compound’s reference page.
Regulatory-Status Note
The International Nonproprietary Name elamipretide corresponds to SS-31 and, per current regulatory information, is associated with an approved drug product in some jurisdictions. The SS-31 material referenced here is a research-grade reference compound for laboratory use only and is not that approved drug product. This note is subject to counsel review.
At a Glance
- MOTS-c is a mitochondrial-derived peptide studied in metabolic signaling.
- SS-31 is a synthetic peptide studied for association with cardiolipin on the inner mitochondrial membrane.
- 5-Amino-1MQ and BAM15 are non-peptide research chemicals studied in related metabolic contexts.
- The peptides and non-peptides are documented separately and should not be described interchangeably.
- All are research chemicals for laboratory use only.
What This Research Area Covers?
Mitochondrial research with these compounds examines energy metabolism, inner-membrane biology, and metabolic signaling in cell and animal models. The key framing point is that not every compound in this group is a peptide: the area brings together genuine peptides and small molecules that happen to share a research focus.
Compounds Studied in This Area
| Compound | Peptide? | Research association |
|---|---|---|
| MOTS-c | Yes (mitochondrial-derived peptide) | Metabolic signaling |
| SS-31 | Yes (synthetic peptide) | Cardiolipin association; inner-membrane function |
| 5-Amino-1MQ | No (small molecule) | Metabolic-enzyme research |
| BAM15 | No (small molecule) | Mitochondrial-uncoupling research |
The Two Peptide Members
MOTS-c
MOTS-c is a short peptide encoded within mitochondrial DNA, one of a small group of mitochondrial-derived peptides. It was described as promoting metabolic homeostasis in cell and animal models, with links to metabolic signaling pathways (Lee et al., 2015; Lee et al., 2016). Its status as a genome-encoded signaling peptide is what makes it distinctive.
SS-31
SS-31 is a synthetic Szeto-Schiller peptide engineered to be cell-permeable and to concentrate at the inner mitochondrial membrane, where it is studied for association with cardiolipin (Szeto, 2006). It approaches mitochondrial biology through membrane targeting rather than gene-encoded signaling. Its International Nonproprietary Name and regulatory status are covered in the note above.
Why Non-Peptides Appear Here?
5-Amino-1MQ and BAM15 are small-molecule research chemicals, not peptides, but they are studied in overlapping metabolic and mitochondrial contexts, so they are often catalogued near the mitochondrial peptides. It is important in any accurate description not to imply that these are peptides; they are documented separately and belong to different chemical classes.
Shared Themes in the Literature
Across the peptide members, recurring themes are mitochondrial energy metabolism and signaling (Lee et al., 2015) and inner-membrane and cardiolipin biology (Szeto, 2006). These are reported within their specific research systems and are not statements about human outcomes.
How the Area Is Studied?
Research uses cell-based mitochondrial-function assays and animal models, with endpoints such as metabolic signaling markers, respiration, and membrane function. The specific assays differ between the peptides and the small-molecule members.
Chemical Identity and Verification
Each compound is verified by HPLC for purity and mass spectrometry for identity, documented on the per-lot Certificate of Analysis. The peptides and the non-peptide chemicals are documented separately, and their identity data should be read from the respective COAs.
Handling and Documentation
Store sealed material cold, shield it from light, and avoid repeated freeze-thaw. Lot-specific stability is documented on the COA; current lot reports are on the Lab Reports page.
Research Limitations and Open Questions
All of this work is in cell and animal models, and findings do not translate directly to any human context. The mitochondrial-derived peptide field is comparatively young, so the MOTS-c literature continues to develop, and comparisons across the peptide and non-peptide members should be made carefully given their different chemistry.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are mitochondrial peptides?
Peptides such as MOTS-c and SS-31 studied for interactions with mitochondria in research models.
Which listed compounds are not peptides?
5-Amino-1MQ and BAM15 are small-molecule research chemicals, not peptides.
How do MOTS-c and SS-31 differ?
MOTS-c is a mitochondrial-derived peptide studied in metabolic signaling; SS-31 is a synthetic peptide studied for cardiolipin association. See the dedicated MOTS-c vs SS-31 comparison.
What models are used?
Cell and animal models; findings are reported in those specific systems.
Why group peptides and non-peptides together?
Because they share a mitochondrial and metabolic research context, though they belong to different chemical classes.
How are they verified?
By HPLC and mass spectrometry, documented on the per-lot Certificate of Analysis.
Do these findings apply to people?
No. All cited work is in cell or animal models and describes mechanism and research outcomes only.
Related Reading
- MOTS-c vs SS-31 (comparison)
- MOTS-c and SS-31 reference pages
- Lab Reports
References
- Lee C, et al. The mitochondrial-derived peptide MOTS-c promotes metabolic homeostasis. Cell Metab. 2015. PMID 25738459.
- Lee C, et al. MOTS-c: a novel mitochondrial-derived peptide regulating metabolism. Free Radic Biol Med. 2016. PMID 27216708.
- Szeto HH. Cell-permeable, mitochondrial-targeted, peptide antioxidants. AAPS J. 2006. PMID 16796378.
Research-use notice: The compounds described here are research chemicals sold for laboratory research use only. They are not for human or veterinary use. Every finding is reported in the specific research context of the cited study.
