Open Access

Mitochondria‑derived peptides: Promising microproteins in cardiovascular diseases (Review)

  • Authors:
    • Yutong Ran
    • Zhiliang Guo
    • Lijuan Zhang
    • Hong Li
    • Xiaoyun Zhang
    • Xiumei Guan
    • Xiaodong Cui
    • Hao Chen
    • Min Cheng
  • View Affiliations

  • Published online on: March 13, 2025     https://doi.org/10.3892/mmr.2025.13492
  • Article Number: 127
  • Copyright: © Ran et al. This is an open access article distributed under the terms of Creative Commons Attribution License.

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Abstract

Mitochondria‑derived peptides (MDPs) are a unique class of peptides encoded by short open reading frames in mitochondrial DNA, including the mitochondrial open reading frame of the 12S ribosomal RNA type‑c (MOTS‑c). Recent studies suggest that MDPs offer therapeutic benefits in various diseases, including neurodegenerative disorders and types of cancer, due to their ability to increase cellular resilience. Mitochondrial dysfunction is a key factor in the onset and progression of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), such as atherosclerosis and heart failure, as it disrupts energy metabolism, increases oxidative stress and promotes inflammation. MDPs such as humanin and MOTS‑c have emerged as important regulators of mitochondrial health, as they show protective effects against these processes. Recent studies have shown that MDPs can restore mitochondrial function, reduce oxidative damage and alleviate inflammation, thus counteracting the pathological mechanisms that drive CVDs. Therefore, MDPs hold promise as therapeutic agents that are capable of slowing, stopping, or even reversing CVD progression and their use presents a promising strategy for future treatments. However, the clinical application of MDPs remains challenging due to their low bioavailability, poor stability and high synthesis costs. Thus, it is necessary to improve drug delivery systems to enhance the bioavailability of MDPs. Moreover, integrating basic research with clinical trials is essential to bridge the gap between experimental findings and clinical applications.
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May-2025
Volume 31 Issue 5

Print ISSN: 1791-2997
Online ISSN:1791-3004

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Copy and paste a formatted citation
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Spandidos Publications style
Ran Y, Guo Z, Zhang L, Li H, Zhang X, Guan X, Cui X, Chen H and Cheng M: Mitochondria‑derived peptides: Promising microproteins in cardiovascular diseases (Review). Mol Med Rep 31: 127, 2025.
APA
Ran, Y., Guo, Z., Zhang, L., Li, H., Zhang, X., Guan, X. ... Cheng, M. (2025). Mitochondria‑derived peptides: Promising microproteins in cardiovascular diseases (Review). Molecular Medicine Reports, 31, 127. https://doi.org/10.3892/mmr.2025.13492
MLA
Ran, Y., Guo, Z., Zhang, L., Li, H., Zhang, X., Guan, X., Cui, X., Chen, H., Cheng, M."Mitochondria‑derived peptides: Promising microproteins in cardiovascular diseases (Review)". Molecular Medicine Reports 31.5 (2025): 127.
Chicago
Ran, Y., Guo, Z., Zhang, L., Li, H., Zhang, X., Guan, X., Cui, X., Chen, H., Cheng, M."Mitochondria‑derived peptides: Promising microproteins in cardiovascular diseases (Review)". Molecular Medicine Reports 31, no. 5 (2025): 127. https://doi.org/10.3892/mmr.2025.13492