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Mitochondrial Peptides

Meaning

Mitochondrial Peptides are small, biologically active protein fragments encoded by the mitochondrial genome, distinct from the vast majority of proteins encoded by nuclear DNA. These peptides, such as the well-studied Humanin and MOTS-c, function as crucial, short-range signaling molecules that regulate cellular metabolism, apoptosis, and cellular stress response pathways. They are integral to cellular resilience and longevity, acting as key communicators between the mitochondrial energy center and the rest of the cell. These molecules represent a new frontier in hormonal and metabolic signaling.