Quick Facts

Chemical Name
Mitochondrial Open Reading Frame of the 12S rRNA-c
Also Known As
Mitochondrial-Derived Peptide, MOTS c
Category
Longevity & Metabolic
Administration
Subcutaneous injection

What is MOTS-c?

MOTS-c is a 16-amino acid peptide encoded within the mitochondrial 12S rRNA gene, making it one of several mitochondrial-derived peptides (MDPs). Discovered in 2015, it has attracted significant interest for its role in metabolic regulation. MOTS-c levels decline with age, and the peptide has been shown to mimic some effects of exercise, including improving insulin sensitivity and metabolic function.

How Does MOTS-c Work?

MOTS-c regulates metabolic homeostasis through several mechanisms. It activates AMPK (AMP-activated protein kinase), the master metabolic regulator, in skeletal muscle and other tissues. This activation promotes glucose uptake, fatty acid oxidation, and mitochondrial biogenesis. MOTS-c also enters the nucleus where it can regulate gene expression related to stress response and metabolism.

Research-Backed Benefits

Metabolic Regulation

Strong Evidence

Improves glucose metabolism and insulin sensitivity through AMPK activation.

Exercise Mimetic

Moderate Evidence

Produces some metabolic benefits similar to exercise without physical activity.

Weight Management

Moderate Evidence

May help prevent obesity and support healthy body composition.

Longevity Potential

Emerging Research

Levels decline with age; supplementation may address age-related metabolic decline.

Stress Resistance

Emerging Research

May improve cellular stress response and resilience.

Dosage Guidelines

Disclaimer: This content is for educational purposes only. Peptides are research compounds not approved by the FDA for human use. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider.

Typical Range
5-15 mg per week (research protocols)
Frequency
Daily or several times weekly
Duration
4-12 weeks

Optimal human dosing is still being researched. Most data comes from animal studies.

Side Effects & Safety

  • Limited human safety data
  • Generally well tolerated in research
  • Potential for injection site reactions
  • Effects of long-term use unknown

Frequently Asked Questions

MOTS-c activates AMPK and improves metabolic function, including insulin sensitivity and fat metabolism. It's been called an 'exercise mimetic' for its ability to produce some exercise-like benefits.
Yes, MOTS-c is encoded in mitochondrial DNA and produced naturally by cells. However, levels decline significantly with age.
While MOTS-c can mimic some metabolic effects of exercise, it's not a complete replacement. Exercise provides additional benefits that MOTS-c alone cannot replicate.

References

  1. Lee C, et al. "MOTS-c is an exercise-induced mitochondrial-encoded regulator." Cell Metabolism, 2015. PMID: 25738454

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