Longevity ⏱ Half-life: Not fully characterized in published pharmacokinetic studies. Preclinical

MOTS-c

MOTS-c (Mitochondrial ORF of the 12S rRNA Type-c)

Updated March 30, 2026
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Evidence at a Glance

Regulatory statusPreclinical
No interventional trials of administered MOTS-c; human data is observational (endogenous levels vs exercise/strength). Not approved for any use.
Human evidenceLimited
Animal evidenceModerate

MOTS-c is a mitochondrial-derived peptide with exercise-mimetic and metabolic effects in animal models, but human data is limited to observational biomarker studies rather than trials of the administered peptide.

What the research does not support

  • No clinical trials have tested injected or supplemental MOTS-c in people.
  • It is not a proven "exercise in a vial"; human evidence is only correlational.
  • It is not approved for diabetes, weight loss, or longevity.
  • Human studies measured naturally occurring MOTS-c levels, not the effects of taking it.
Half-Life
Not fully characterized in published pharmacokinetic studies.
Mol. Weight
2174.64 g/mol

What is MOTS-c?

MOTS-c represents a paradigm-shifting discovery in peptide research — a signaling molecule encoded by mitochondrial DNA that functions as a systemic hormone. Its identification challenged the long-held view that mitochondria are only energy-producing organelles.

Research Applications

Exercise mimetic research, metabolic homeostasis, insulin sensitivity, aging biology, mitochondrial-nuclear communication, and AMPK activation studies.

Dosage Information (Research Use)

Research protocols: 0.5-1 mg administered daily in animal models (scaled). Research use only — human dosing protocols not established.

Reconstitution & Handling

Standard BAC water reconstitution.

Half-Life & Pharmacokinetics

Not fully characterized in published pharmacokinetic studies.

Reported Observations in Literature

Limited adverse effect data — primarily studied in animal models. No significant toxicity reported at research doses.

Key Research References

  • Lee C, et al. “The mitochondrial-derived peptide MOTS-c promotes metabolic homeostasis and reduces obesity and insulin resistance.” Cell Metab. 2015
  • Kim KH, et al. “MOTS-c: An equal opportunity insulin sensitizer.” J Mol Med. 2019

How MOTS-c Works

MOTS-c is a 16-amino acid peptide encoded within the mitochondrial genome — making it one of the first identified mitochondrial-derived peptides (MDPs) with systemic signaling function. It activates AMPK (the master metabolic regulator) in skeletal muscle, enhances glucose uptake, improves insulin sensitivity, and regulates the folate-methionine cycle. Remarkably, MOTS-c translocates to the cell nucleus during metabolic stress, directly regulating nuclear gene expression — a novel mitochondrial-to-nuclear communication pathway.

Research Findings

Described as an 'exercise mimetic' — reproduces many molecular effects of physical exercise at the cellular level. Research shows prevention of age-dependent and high-fat-diet-induced insulin resistance in mouse models. Levels decline with age in humans, correlating with metabolic dysfunction.

Dosage & Administration

Research protocols: 5-10 mg administered several times per week in animal models (scaled). Research use only — human dosing protocols not established.

Safety & Side Effects

Limited adverse effect data — primarily studied in animal models. No significant toxicity reported at research doses.

Important: All safety information is derived from published research, primarily animal studies. No controlled human clinical trial data exists unless explicitly noted. This compound is sold for research purposes only.

Quick Facts

Sequence MRWQEMGYIFYPRKLR
Molecular Weight 2174.64 g/mol
Half-Life Not fully characterized in published pharmacokinetic studies.
Available Sizes 5mg, 10mg
Storage Lyophilized: -20°C. Reconstituted: 2-8°C.

Key Research References

  • Lee C, et al. "The mitochondrial-derived peptide MOTS-c promotes metabolic homeostasis and reduces obesity and insulin resistance." Cell Metab. 2015
  • Kim KH, et al. "MOTS-c: An equal opportunity insulin sensitizer." J Mol Med. 2019

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