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Review
. 2021 Aug 16;22(16):8770.
doi: 10.3390/ijms22168770.

The Role of Mitochondria-Derived Peptides in Cardiovascular Diseases and Their Potential as Therapeutic Targets

Siarhei A Dabravolski  1 , Nikita G Nikiforov  2   3 , Antonina V Starodubova  4   5 , Tatyana V Popkova  6 , Alexander N Orekhov  2   3
Affiliations
Review

The Role of Mitochondria-Derived Peptides in Cardiovascular Diseases and Their Potential as Therapeutic Targets

Siarhei A Dabravolski et al. Int J Mol Sci. .

Abstract

Mitochondria-derived peptides (MDPs) are small peptides hidden in the mitochondrial DNA, maintaining mitochondrial function and protecting cells under different stresses. Currently, three types of MDPs have been identified: Humanin, MOTS-c and SHLP1-6. MDPs have demonstrated anti-apoptotic and anti-inflammatory activities, reactive oxygen species and oxidative stress-protecting properties both in vitro and in vivo. Recent research suggests that MDPs have a significant cardioprotective role, affecting CVDs (cardiovascular diseases) development and progression. CVDs are the leading cause of death globally; this term combines disorders of the blood vessels and heart. In this review, we focus on the recent progress in understanding the relationships between MDPs and the main cardiovascular risk factors (atherosclerosis, insulin resistance, hyperlipidaemia and ageing). We also will discuss the therapeutic application of MDPs, modified and synthetic MDPs, and their potential as novel biomarkers and therapeutic targets.

Keywords: Humanin; MOTS-c; SHLPs; ageing; atherosclerosis; cardiovascular diseases; hyperlipidaemia; insulin resistance; mitochondria-derived peptides.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no conflict of interest. The funders had no role in the design of the study; in the collection, analyses, or interpretation of data; in the writing of the manuscript, or in the decision to publish the results.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Classification and protection mechanisms of MDPs against CVD risk factors. MDPs (Humanin, SHLPs and MOTS-c) are hidden in mitochondrial 16S and 12S rRNA genes. MDPs are associated with CVD risk factors (atherosclerosis, ageing, insulin resistance and hyperlipidaemia). The main cardioprotective activities identified for MDPs are anti-apoptosis and anti-inflammation, offering protection from OS and ER stresses.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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