Peptide Comparison

MOTS-c vs SS-31

A detailed comparison to help you understand the differences and choose the right peptide for your research.

MO

MOTS-c

Longevity & Metabolic
VS
SS

SS-31

Longevity & Mitochondria

MOTS-c and SS-31 are both mitochondria-focused peptides with longevity potential, but they work through fundamentally different mechanisms. MOTS-c is a naturally occurring mitochondrial-derived peptide, while SS-31 was designed to target mitochondrial membranes. Understanding these differences helps optimize mitochondrial health strategies.

Quick Comparison

Aspect
MOTS-c
SS-31
Origin
Encoded in mitochondrial DNA (12S rRNA)
Synthetic peptide targeting mitochondria
Primary Mechanism
AMPK activation, metabolic regulation
Cardiolipin binding, ETC optimization
Natural Occurrence
Naturally produced (declines with age)
Synthetic (not naturally occurring)
Main Benefits
Metabolic health, exercise mimetic
Mitochondrial protection, ATP optimization
Clinical Development
Research stage
Phase 2/3 trials (Elamipretide)
FDA Status
Research peptide
Fast Track, Orphan Drug designations
Insulin Sensitivity
Improves insulin sensitivity
Indirect effects through mitochondria
Exercise Effects
Exercise mimetic properties
May improve exercise capacity

Key Similarities

  • Both target mitochondrial function
  • Both have anti-aging/longevity potential
  • Both address age-related mitochondrial decline
  • Both may improve cellular energy
  • Both are subjects of active research
  • Both have cardioprotective potential

Key Differences

  • MOTS-c is naturally produced; SS-31 is synthetic
  • MOTS-c works through AMPK; SS-31 through cardiolipin
  • SS-31 has more clinical trial data
  • MOTS-c affects metabolism more directly
  • SS-31 directly stabilizes electron transport chain
  • MOTS-c is an 'exercise mimetic'; SS-31 is not

When to Choose Each

Choose MOTS-c

Choose MOTS-c when metabolic health is the priority—improving insulin sensitivity, mimicking exercise benefits, or addressing metabolic dysfunction. It addresses the signaling side of mitochondrial health.

Choose SS-31

Choose SS-31 when protecting mitochondria from oxidative damage and optimizing ATP production is key. Its clinical development for heart failure suggests particular benefits for energy-demanding tissues.

Can You Stack Them?

MOTS-c and SS-31 work through different mechanisms and could theoretically be combined for comprehensive mitochondrial support—MOTS-c for metabolic signaling and SS-31 for structural protection. However, research on combining them is limited.

Frequently Asked Questions

Both address mitochondrial dysfunction, a key aging hallmark. MOTS-c may be better for metabolic aging; SS-31 for tissues with high energy demands like heart and muscles.
MOTS-c is called an 'exercise mimetic' but shouldn't replace exercise. It may provide some metabolic benefits of exercise but not all. SS-31 is not an exercise substitute.
SS-31 (Elamipretide) has more clinical trial data due to pharmaceutical development. MOTS-c has strong preclinical research but limited human trials.

References

  1. Lee C, et al. "MOTS-c exercise mimetic." Cell Metab, 2015. PMID: 25738454
  2. Szeto HH. "SS-31 mitochondrial protection." Br J Pharmacol, 2014. PMID: 24117106

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