Peptide News Digest

#Mitochondrial-Peptides

2 stories

Research · View digest

MOTS-c Boosts Energy Production in Aging Ovarian Cells and Mouse Eggs in Taiwanese Lab Study

Researchers at Kaohsiung Veterans General Hospital and National Sun Yat-sen University reported in Reproduction and Fertility on October 19, 2026 that MOTS-c, a small peptide encoded in mitochondrial DNA, increased mitochondrial mass and ATP-linked respiration in a model of aging human granulosa cells, the cells that support developing eggs, without raising oxidative stress. In eggs from aged mice treated outside the body, MOTS-c improved maturation and lowered oxidative-stress signals, though results stayed below those of young eggs. MOTS-c is sold online as a wellness peptide; this is cell and mouse work only.

Research · View digest

Mitochondrial Peptide MOTS-c Protects Retinal Blood Vessels in Diabetic Mice Through the Enzyme PLA2G6

Researchers at Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital and Jiangnan University-affiliated Wuxi Fifth Hospital reported in Cell Death Discovery on October 10, 2026 that high blood sugar lowered levels of MOTS-c, a small peptide encoded in mitochondrial DNA, in retinal blood vessels. MOTS-c treatment protected the vessel barrier and mitochondrial function in human retinal endothelial cells exposed to high glucose and in diabetic mice, and blocking the enzyme PLA2G6 erased that protection. MOTS-c is one of the peptides the FDA's compounding advisers voted to recommend in July 2026, but this work is in cells and mice.