MOTS-C vs SS-31: what is the difference?
MOTS-C and SS-31 both revolve around the mitochondria, but along a completely different route. One is encoded in mitochondrial DNA, the other is designed to accumulate in the mitochondrial membrane. Here is the difference, factually.
| Property | MOTS-C | SS-31 |
|---|---|---|
| Origin | Encoded in mitochondrial DNA | Synthetic tetrapeptide (Szeto-Schiller family) |
| Also known as | Mitochondrial open reading frame of the 12S rRNA type-c | Elamipretide, MTP-131 |
| Point of focus in research | Metabolic signalling (including the AMPK pathway) | Inner mitochondrial membrane, association with cardiolipin |
| Peptide type | 16 amino acids | 4 amino acids |
| Purity | ≥99% (HPLC + MS, Janoshik COA per batch) | ≥99% (HPLC + MS, Janoshik COA per batch) |
| Molecular weight | See COA per batch | See COA per batch |
| Vial strength | 40 mg per vial | 10 mg per vial |
Encoded from within versus targeted inward
MOTS-C is remarkable because the code for it lies in the DNA of the mitochondria themselves rather than in the cell nucleus; SS-31 is a synthetic tetrapeptide that instead accumulates in the inner mitochondrial membrane. The first is of mitochondrial origin, the second is designed to go there.
Read the individual guides: what is MOTS-C and what is SS-31.
Why studied together?
Both are central to research on mitochondrial bioenergetics — the field that looks at how the cell converts energy. They illuminate that question from two sides: signalling (MOTS-C) and membrane structure (SS-31).
See both in the anti-ageing & longevity category, which also holds NAD+ and Epithalon.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between MOTS-C and SS-31?
MOTS-C is a 16-amino-acid peptide encoded in mitochondrial DNA and associated in research with metabolic signalling. SS-31 is a synthetic tetrapeptide that accumulates in the inner mitochondrial membrane and associates with cardiolipin.
Why is SS-31 also called elamipretide?
Elamipretide and MTP-131 are research names for the same molecule. The abbreviation SS refers to the Szeto-Schiller family of mitochondria-targeted peptides.
Are both mitochondrial peptides?
Yes, but in a different sense: MOTS-C is of mitochondrial origin (encoded in mitochondrial DNA), whereas SS-31 is synthetic and targeted at the mitochondria.
FOR RESEARCH USE ONLY. For laboratory and research purposes only. Not for human or animal consumption; not a medicine and does not constitute medical advice.