MOTS-c

A 16-amino-acid peptide encoded within mitochondrial DNA that behaves like a metabolic “exercise mimetic.”

01Overview

MOTS-c is one of a small family of mitochondrial-derived peptides, encoded in the 12S rRNA region of mitochondrial DNA. It translocates to the nucleus under metabolic stress and adjusts gene expression governing metabolism.

Interest centers on its role as a regulator of metabolic homeostasis and its ability to reproduce several signaling effects associated with physical exercise.

02Mechanism

• Activates the AMPK pathway, a central sensor of cellular energy status.
• Enhances glucose uptake and metabolic flexibility, shifting fuel use under stress.
• Under stress translocates to the nucleus to modulate antioxidant and metabolic gene programs.

03Research uses

• Mitochondrial function research
• Metabolic-flexibility and insulin-sensitivity models
• Exercise-physiology and aging studies

04Key findings

• Preclinical work links MOTS-c to improved insulin sensitivity and resistance to diet-induced metabolic dysfunction.
• Circulating MOTS-c levels appear to decline with age in observational data.
• Effects are closely tied to AMPK signaling in muscle tissue.

05Handling & reconstitution

• Supplied as a lyophilized white powder.
• Reconstitute with bacteriostatic water and swirl gently.
• Store lyophilized frozen; keep reconstituted solution refrigerated and protected from light.