Mitochondrial peptides in research: NAD+, SS-31, MOTS-c

The mitochondria — the compartments that generate most of a cell's usable energy — sit at the centre of a growing area of research. Several very different molecules are studied for the way they relate to mitochondrial function. Three of the most discussed are NAD+, SS-31, and MOTS-c.

Why the mitochondria draw research attention

Mitochondrial function is a recurring theme across energy metabolism, cellular signalling, and research into cellular ageing. Because so many pathways converge on these compartments, molecules that interact with them give researchers specific tools to study the system in laboratory models.

NAD+: the coenzyme

NAD+ (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide) is a coenzyme essential to the reactions that produce cellular energy. In the research literature its availability is studied in relation to mitochondrial function, and its decline in many model systems is a frequent research subject. Our article on NAD+ and mitochondrial research covers it in depth.

SS-31: targeting the inner membrane

SS-31 (elamipretide) is a short peptide studied for an unusual property: it concentrates inside the mitochondria, where it interacts with a lipid called cardiolipin that is central to energy production. Our dedicated SS-31 article explains why that localisation is of interest.

MOTS-c: a signal from mitochondrial DNA

MOTS-c is a mitochondrial-derived peptide, encoded within the mitochondrial genome itself and studied as a metabolic signal. Our MOTS-c article covers its unusual origin.

Working with them

All three are supplied as lyophilised powders, reconstituted with bacteriostatic water, and each Vela batch ships with a certificate of analysis documenting identity and purity.