SS-31 vs MOTS-c.
SS-31 and MOTS-c are both called mitochondrial peptides, for opposite reasons: SS-31 is a synthetic peptide built to reach mitochondria from outside the cell, while MOTS-c is made from mitochondrial DNA itself.
Built to reach mitochondria.
SS-31, also known as elamipretide, is a synthetic tetrapeptide (D-Arg-Dmt-Lys-Phe-NH2) from the Szeto-Schiller family of cell-permeable peptides. Its alternating aromatic and basic residues let it cross cell membranes and concentrate at the inner mitochondrial membrane, where it selectively binds cardiolipin, a lipid of that membrane. Its literature covers mitochondrial function, oxidative stress and cellular energetics in cell and animal models.
Made by mitochondria.
MOTS-c is a 16-amino-acid peptide (MRWQEMGYIFYPRKLR) encoded within the 12S rRNA gene of mitochondrial DNA, described in 2015. It belongs to the mitochondrial-derived peptides, a small family that also includes humanin and the small humanin-like peptides, which are encoded in the 16S rRNA gene instead.
In the 2015 mouse work, skeletal muscle appeared to be its primary target organ, acting through AMPK signaling, and a 2018 study reported that MOTS-c moves into the nucleus under metabolic stress and regulates nuclear genes there.
SS-31 and MOTS-c at a glance.
| SS-31 (elamipretide) | MOTS-c | |
|---|---|---|
| Origin | Synthetic, Szeto-Schiller peptide family | Encoded in mitochondrial DNA (12S rRNA gene) |
| Length | 4 amino acids | 16 amino acids |
| Sequence | D-Arg-Dmt-Lys-Phe-NH2 | MRWQEMGYIFYPRKLR |
| Molecular weight | 639.8 g/mol | 2174.6 g/mol |
| Where it acts | Inner mitochondrial membrane, binds cardiolipin | AMPK signaling; moves to the nucleus under stress |
| Literature | Mitochondrial function, oxidative stress, cellular energetics | Metabolism, skeletal muscle, mitochondrial signaling |
Molecular weights from PubChem.
What Helion supplies.
Helion carries SS-31 10mg and MOTS-c 10mg. Helion supplies these compounds as lyophilized research reference materials for laboratory use only, to buyers 21 and over. Their lab reports are in progress and will be published in the COA Portal as the laboratory issues them.
Specs and storage by compound.
Questions (5)
What is the difference between SS-31 and MOTS-c?
SS-31 (elamipretide) is a synthetic tetrapeptide that concentrates at the inner mitochondrial membrane and binds cardiolipin. MOTS-c is a 16-amino-acid peptide encoded by mitochondrial DNA that acts through AMPK signaling and can move into the nucleus under stress.
What are mitochondrial peptides?
The term covers two groups: peptides encoded by mitochondrial DNA, called mitochondrial-derived peptides (MOTS-c, humanin and the small humanin-like peptides), and synthetic peptides designed to target mitochondria, such as SS-31.
Is SS-31 the same as elamipretide?
Yes. SS-31 and elamipretide are two names for the same tetrapeptide, D-Arg-Dmt-Lys-Phe-NH2.
Is MOTS-c the same as humanin?
No. Both are mitochondrial-derived peptides, but MOTS-c is encoded in the 12S rRNA gene and humanin in the 16S rRNA gene, and they are different sequences.
Does Helion sell SS-31 and MOTS-c?
Yes: SS-31 10mg and MOTS-c 10mg, for laboratory research use only to buyers 21 and over. Their independent lab reports are in progress.
Published studies (4)
- Elamipretide: A Review of Its Structure, Mechanism of Action, and Therapeutic Potential
- The mitochondrial-derived peptide MOTS-c promotes metabolic homeostasis and reduces obesity and insulin resistance
- The Mitochondrial-Encoded Peptide MOTS-c Translocates to the Nucleus to Regulate Nuclear Gene Expression in Response to Metabolic Stress
- Mitochondrial-derived peptides: Antidiabetic functions and evolutionary perspectives
Citations from PubMed for reference. They describe the compound in the literature, not any Helion lot, and nothing here is guidance on use.