MOTS-c
Mitochondrial ORF of the 12S rRNA type-c
About
MOTS-c is a mitochondrial-derived peptide of 16 amino acids encoded by the 12S rRNA region of the mitochondrial genome. Discovered in 2015, it has attracted research interest for its role in metabolic regulation and age-related conditions. Research has explored its effects on cellular metabolism, insulin sensitivity, obesity, exercise performance, and aging, largely in laboratory and animal models, and it remains at a preclinical stage of development.
Research Applications
- Obesity and metabolic disorders, including insulin resistance
- Aging-related processes
- Exercise performance
Mechanism of Action
MOTS-c's mechanism is still under investigation, with its metabolic effects hypothesized to be mediated by translocation to the nucleus and subsequent activation of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK).
Molecular Info
- Class
- Peptide
- Length
- 16 amino acids
- Origin
- Encoded by the 12S rRNA region of the mitochondrial genome
- Primary research areas
- Metabolic regulation, insulin sensitivity, exercise performance, and aging
Dosing Guidance
- Range
- Published studies do not establish a standardized dosing protocol; studies to date have used subcutaneous injection.
- Frequency
- Frequency varies across research contexts and is presented here as educational background only.
- Timing
- Timing is not consistently defined across the available research references.
- Cycle length
- Cycle length is not consistently defined across the available research references.
- Notes
- These details are educational context only. Protocol values are examples and should not be treated as medical instructions.
Known Risks
- Injection-site reactions reported
- Counterfeit products are a concern in public peptide markets
Regulatory & Evidence Status
- Evidence level
- Preclinical; human safety and efficacy are not established, and long-term safety data is lacking.
- FDA status
- Not approved; at a preclinical stage of development.
References
The Mitochondrial-Derived Peptide MOTS-c Promotes Metabolic Homeostasis and Reduces Obesity and Insulin Resistance
Cell Metabolism · 2015
DOI: 10.1016/j.cmet.2015.02.009
MOTS-c, the Most Recent Mitochondrial Derived Peptide in Human Aging and Age-Related Diseases
International Journal of Molecular Sciences · 2022
DOI: 10.3390/ijms231911991
MOTS-c Functionally Prevents Metabolic Disorders
Metabolites · 2023
DOI: 10.3390/metabo13010125
The Mitochondrial-Encoded Peptide MOTS-c Translocates to the Nucleus to Regulate Nuclear Gene Expression in Response to Metabolic Stress
Cell Metabolism · 2018
DOI: 10.1016/j.cmet.2018.06.008
MOTS-c: A novel mitochondrial-derived peptide regulating muscle and fat metabolism
Free Radical Biology and Medicine · 2016
DOI: 10.1016/j.freeradbiomed.2016.05.015
MOTS-c is an exercise-induced mitochondrial-encoded regulator of age-dependent physical decline and muscle homeostasis
Nature Communications · 2021
DOI: 10.1038/s41467-020-20790-0
A Mitochondrially Encoded Hormone Ameliorates Obesity and Insulin Resistance
Cell Metabolism · 2015
DOI: 10.1016/j.cmet.2015.02.013
MOTS-c peptide regulates adipose homeostasis to prevent ovariectomy-induced metabolic dysfunction
Journal of Molecular Medicine · 2019
DOI: 10.1007/s00109-018-01738-w
Increased expression of the mitochondrial derived peptide, MOTS-c, in skeletal muscle of healthy aging men is associated with myofiber composition
Aging · 2020
DOI: 10.18632/aging.102944
Mechanisms of Vascular Calcification and Associated Diseases
Current Pharmaceutical Design · 2014
DOI: 10.2174/1381612820666140212205848
Mitochondrial-Derived Peptide MOTS-c Attenuates Vascular Calcification and Secondary Myocardial Remodeling via Adenosine Monophosphate-Activated Protein Kinase Signaling Pathway
Cardiorenal Medicine · 2020
DOI: 10.1159/000503224
AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) action in skeletal muscle via direct phosphorylation of PGC-1α
Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences · 2007
DOI: 10.1073/pnas.0705070104
Skeletal muscle as an endocrine organ: PGC-1α, myokines and exercise
Bone · 2015
DOI: 10.1016/j.bone.2015.02.008
MOTS-c and Exercise Restore Cardiac Function by Activating of NRG1-ErbB Signaling in Diabetic Rats
Frontiers in Endocrinology · 2022
DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.812032
MOTS-c: A promising mitochondrial-derived peptide for therapeutic exploitation
Frontiers in Endocrinology · 2023
DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1120533
Peptides encoded by noncoding genes: challenges and perspectives
Signal Transduction and Targeted Therapy · 2019
DOI: 10.1038/s41392-019-0092-3
For research and educational purposes only. Not medical advice. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before using any peptide. All calculations should be independently verified.
