Category: signaling
Mitochondrial-derived peptides (MDPs) are bioactive peptides encoded in mtDNA (within 12S/16S rRNA + the ND open reading frames). They function as cell signaling molecules in glucose homeostasis, apoptosis, and oxidative stress. MOTS-c (16-aa from mt-12S) — exercise mimetic; AMPK activator; declines with age; correlates with metabolic health. Humanin (24-aa from mt-16S) — antiapoptotic; receptor FPRL1/CNTFR/IL-27R. SHLP1-6 family (small humanin-like peptides) — same locus, different reading frames. SS-31 (Bendavia/elamipretide) — synthetic aromatic-cationic tetrapeptide targeting cardiolipin in inner mt membrane → preserves cristae structure under stress; phase 2 trials in primary mitochondrial myopathies + dry AMD + HF (mixed outcomes). Adropin — secreted peptide modulating insulin signaling; gut-liver-brain axis.