Mitochondrial Peptides

Targets mitochondrial function

Mechanism

Mitochondrial peptides target the energy-producing organelles inside every cell. Mitochondria generate ATP (the cell's energy currency) and play critical roles in cell signaling, apoptosis (programmed cell death), and calcium regulation. Mitochondrial dysfunction is a hallmark of aging and is implicated in neurodegenerative disease, heart disease, metabolic syndrome, and chronic fatigue. Restoring mitochondrial function is one of the most promising approaches to addressing age-related decline at its source.

SS-31 (elamipretide) targets the inner mitochondrial membrane, stabilizing cardiolipin (a phospholipid essential for electron transport chain efficiency) and reducing oxidative damage. MOTS-c is encoded in mitochondrial DNA and acts as a signaling peptide that activates AMPK, improving cellular energy regulation. Humanin, also mitochondrial-derived, protects cells from stress-induced death. These peptides represent a new frontier where the mitochondria themselves are the therapeutic target.

This page collects every peptide on PeptideWiki that targets mitochondrial function. Browse individual profiles for mechanisms, dosing, and safety data.

Peptides (6)

NAD+

Longevity & Cellular Health

NAD+ (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide) is a critical molecule found in every living cell. It is essential for mitochondrial energy production, DNA repair, and cellular metabolism. NAD+ levels naturally decline with age, and supplementation is being studied for anti-aging and metabolic health benefits.

MOTS-c

Longevity & Cellular Health

MOTS-c is a 16-amino-acid peptide produced by mitochondria (the energy centers of cells), encoded in mitochondrial DNA. It was the first mitochondrial peptide to enter clinical trials. Research focuses on metabolic health, exercise performance, and longevity, with natural levels declining with age.

SS-31 (Elamipretide)

Longevity & Cellular Health

SS-31 (Elamipretide) is a four-amino-acid peptide that targets and concentrates in the inner membrane of mitochondria (the energy centers of cells). It is being developed for mitochondrial diseases, heart failure, and age-related conditions.

Humanin

Longevity & Cellular Health

Humanin is a 24-amino-acid peptide produced by mitochondria (the energy centers of cells), encoded in mitochondrial DNA. It was discovered for its ability to protect brain cells from amyloid-beta toxicity, a hallmark of Alzheimer's disease. Research explores its roles in brain protection, metabolic regulation, and cellular stress resistance.

Glutathione

Longevity & Cellular Health

Glutathione is a three-amino-acid peptide made naturally in every cell from glutamate, cysteine, and glycine. It neutralizes damaging molecules, supports mitochondrial energy production, and helps the liver process toxins. Levels fall with age and chronic illness, making it a widely studied target for antioxidant and anti-aging research.

SLU-PP-332

Metabolic & Weight Loss

SLU-PP-332 is a synthetic "exercise mimetic", a small molecule that switches on the same cell machinery (mitochondria and fat burning) the body normally activates during aerobic exercise. In animal studies it reduced fat and boosted endurance, but it has not been tested in humans and is poorly absorbed when taken by mouth.

Frequently Asked Questions

Mitochondria produce the energy every cell needs to function, and their efficiency declines with age. Damaged mitochondria produce more reactive oxygen species (free radicals) and less ATP, creating a cycle of energy deficit and oxidative damage. This shows up as reduced exercise capacity, cognitive decline, slower healing, and increased susceptibility to disease. By age 70, mitochondrial function may be 50% of what it was at 25. Restoring mitochondrial efficiency addresses a root cause of aging rather than its downstream symptoms.

SS-31 (elamipretide) is a tetrapeptide that concentrates in the inner mitochondrial membrane, where it binds to cardiolipin. Cardiolipin is a phospholipid that anchors the electron transport chain complexes (the machinery that produces ATP). With age, cardiolipin becomes oxidized and damaged, reducing ATP production efficiency. SS-31 stabilizes cardiolipin structure, restores electron transport chain efficiency, and reduces the leakage of reactive oxygen species. Clinical trials have tested it for heart failure, mitochondrial myopathy, and age-related macular degeneration.

MOTS-c is unique because it is encoded within mitochondrial DNA rather than nuclear DNA. It is a naturally occurring peptide that your mitochondria produce, functioning as a retrograde signal from mitochondria to the cell nucleus. It activates AMPK (a master metabolic regulator), improves glucose metabolism, promotes fatty acid oxidation, and enhances exercise capacity. In animal studies, MOTS-c reversed age-related metabolic decline and improved physical performance. It represents a new class of mitochondrial-derived peptides (MDPs) that are just beginning to be understood.

SS-31 improved exercise tolerance in clinical trials for heart failure patients and in preclinical aging studies. MOTS-c improved exercise capacity and metabolic performance in aged mice. The mechanism is straightforward: better mitochondrial function means more efficient ATP production, which directly supports physical performance. Whether this translates to meaningful performance gains in healthy, fit individuals is less clear than in impaired populations. The strongest evidence is for restoring lost mitochondrial function rather than pushing beyond normal capacity.

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