Longevity Peptides Research Guide: MOTS-c, SS-31, Epitalon & SLU-PP-332 Cellular Mechanisms

For Research Use Only. This guide is provided strictly for in-vitro laboratory and educational purposes for qualified researchers. It describes molecular and mechanistic research only, is not medical advice, and refers to no product intended for human or veterinary use, diagnosis, or treatment. Not evaluated by the FDA.

“Longevity” research compounds are studied for the mitochondrial and cellular-maintenance pathways associated with cellular aging. This expanded guide covers four reference compounds — MOTS-c, SS-31, Epitalon and SLU-PP-332 — and the distinct mechanisms each probes.

MOTS-c — mitochondrial-derived peptide

MOTS-c is a 16-amino-acid peptide encoded within the mitochondrial 12S rRNA region. In cell models it is studied for activation of the AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) pathway and for translocation to the nucleus under metabolic stress, where it is associated with adaptive metabolic gene-expression signaling.

SS-31 (Elamipretide) — cardiolipin-targeting tetrapeptide

SS-31 is an aromatic-cationic tetrapeptide that concentrates at the inner mitochondrial membrane and binds cardiolipin. In vitro it is studied for stabilizing cristae architecture and improving electron-transport-chain efficiency, reducing reactive-oxygen-species leak in bioenergetic assays.

Epitalon — pineal tetrapeptide

Epitalon (Ala-Glu-Asp-Gly) is a synthetic tetrapeptide studied for effects on telomerase-related gene expression and on pineal/circadian signaling in cell and model systems.

SLU-PP-332 — ERR agonist (non-peptide)

SLU-PP-332 is a small-molecule agonist of the estrogen-related receptors (ERRα/γ), nuclear receptors that regulate mitochondrial-biogenesis and oxidative-metabolism gene programs. It is studied as an “exercise-mimetic” probe of these transcriptional networks in vitro, and is labeled as a non-peptide research chemical.

Common research theme

Though mechanistically distinct — AMPK signaling, cardiolipin binding, telomerase-related expression, and ERR transcription — these compounds converge on mitochondrial function and cellular-maintenance pathways, which is why they are grouped in cellular-aging research. Findings are model-system observations and are not indicators of any human outcome.

Laboratory handling & reconstitution

Lyophilized peptide is solubilized by adding bacteriostatic or sterile water slowly down the vial wall and swirling gently — never shaking. Lyophilized material is stored at −20 °C protected from light; reconstituted material is held at 2–8 °C for short-term laboratory use, with single-use aliquots to limit freeze–thaw degradation. See the reconstitution calculator for solvent-to-concentration reference.

Analytical characterization

Research-grade reference material should carry a batch-specific Certificate of Analysis: reverse-phase HPLC for chromatographic purity (commonly ≥98%) with a chromatogram, mass spectrometry confirming molecular identity, and the name of the independent testing laboratory. Batch records appear on our Lab Reports page.

Research applications

Uses include AMPK and mitochondrial-bioenergetics assays, cardiolipin-binding and ROS studies, telomerase/gene-expression assays, and ERR nuclear-receptor transcriptional studies.

Research Use Only — not for human or veterinary use, diagnosis, or treatment. Purchases are restricted to qualified researchers.