Mitochondria
Membrane-bound organelles found in most eukaryotic cells that generate the majority of cellular energy in the form of ATP through oxidative phosphorylation.
Mitochondria are often called the powerhouses of the cell, but they also regulate apoptosis (programmed cell death), calcium signaling, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production. Mitochondrial dysfunction is a hallmark of aging and is implicated in a wide range of age-related diseases, making mitochondrial health a central target in longevity research.
Some peptides studied in the longevity space — including SS-31 (Elamipretide) and certain other mitochondria-targeted peptides — are investigated specifically for their ability to reduce mitochondrial oxidative stress and improve energy production efficiency. Epithalon, studied for its telomere and anti-aging properties, is also hypothesized to interact with mitochondrial function through gene expression regulation.