Mitochondrial-Derived Peptide (MDP)
Definition
Mitochondrial-derived peptides (MDPs) are a class of bioactive peptides encoded within the mitochondrial genome rather than nuclear DNA. The three established MDPs are humanin, MOTS-c, and the SHLP family (small humanin-like peptides). MDPs function as retrograde signaling molecules from mitochondria to the nucleus and other tissues, playing roles in metabolic regulation, stress response, and cytoprotection. Their discovery revealed mitochondria as active endocrine organelles.
Related Terms
Related Compounds
MOTS-c
An in-depth review of MOTS-c, a mitochondrial-derived peptide encoded by the 12S rRNA gene, examining its role in AMPK activation, exercise mimicry, glucose metabolism, pharmacokinetics, safety, and aging research.
Read monographHumanin
An in-depth review of humanin, a 24-amino acid mitochondrial-derived peptide encoded by the 16S rRNA gene, covering its discovery, anti-apoptotic mechanisms via BAX sequestration and IGFBP-3 binding, and preclinical research applications spanning neuroprotection, metabolic regulation, and cardiovascular cytoprotection.
Read monographRelated Studies
Mitochondria-derived peptide MOTS-c: effects and mechanisms related to stress, metabolism and aging
Wan W, Zhang L, Chen Y, et al. · Journal of Translational Medicine (2023)
The cardio-protective role of humanin: a mitochondria-derived peptide
Gong Z, Tas E, Bhatt D, et al. · Biochimica et Biophysica Acta - General Subjects (2022)
MOTS-c and Exercise Restore Cardiac Function by Activating of NRG1-ErbB Signaling Pathway in Diabetic Rats
Li S, Lu H, Lu J, et al. · Frontiers in Endocrinology (2022)
The mitochondria-derived peptide humanin is a regulator of lifespan and healthspan
Yen K, Wan J, Mehta HH, et al. · Aging (2020)