MOTS-C
Also known as: Mitochondrial ORF of the Twelve S rRNA Type-C
Molecular Identifiers
Molecular Formula
C101H152N28O22S2
CAS Number
1627580-64-6
PubChem CID
176489569Molecular Weight
2174.6 Da
Overview
Mitochondrial peptide that improves insulin sensitivity and metabolic flexibility. Exercise mimetic properties. Acts on the AMPK pathway.
The main clinical interest around MOTS-c is its "exercise mimetic" effect — AMPK pathway activation, improved insulin sensitivity, and increased metabolic flexibility. It is researched in contexts of insulin resistance, longevity, and age-related mitochondrial dysfunction, with evidence still concentrated in preclinical models.
MOTS-c has no regulatory approval from any agency (FDA, EMA, ANVISA) and its use is restricted to the research market. Typical protocols involve 2-3 subcutaneous administrations per week, in 8-12 week cycles, often combined with exercise stimulus. As a mitochondrial peptide encoded in the mitochondrial genome — discovered in the 2010s — the biology is still under active characterization.
Among mitochondrial peptides, MOTS-c is the "exercise mimetic" of the group: focused on AMPK, insulin sensitivity, and metabolic flexibility, in contrast with SS-31/elamipretide (binds cardiolipin, focused on cardioprotection and rare mitochondrial diseases such as Barth) and humanin (anti-apoptosis and neuroprotection in Alzheimer's and diabetes). MOTS-c and humanin share their origin as mitochondrial-derived peptides (MDPs), while SS-31 is a synthetic tetrapeptide with a distinct structural mechanism.
MRWQEMGYIFYPRKLR Met-Arg-Trp-Gln-Glu-Met-Gly-Tyr-Ile-Phe-Tyr-Pro-Arg-Lys-Leu-Arg Half-life
~4-8 hours
Administration Route
Subcutaneous
Category
Metabolic & Fat Loss
Mechanism of Action
- Activation of the AMPK pathway
- Improvement of insulin sensitivity
- Increased metabolic flexibility
- Exercise mimetic properties
- Regulation of folate and purine metabolism
Reported Side Effects
Adverse effects described in the literature. Severity and frequency vary between individuals.
- Mild gastrointestinal discomfort
- Transient fatigue
- Pain at injection site
Product Properties
| Purity | >95% |
| Appearance | White lyophilized powder |
| Solubility | Soluble in water and bacteriostatic water |
| Source | Solid-phase peptide synthesis (SPPS) |
| Storage | Lyophilized: -20°C for up to 2 years, 2-8°C for up to 6 months. Reconstituted: 2-8°C for up to 4 weeks. Protect from light and moisture. Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles. |
Presentations & Preparation
Vials of MOTS-C found in the research market:
Reconstitution
- Diluent: Bacteriostatic water
- Volume: 2 ml per vial
- Inject the diluent slowly against the vial wall
- Gently swirl until fully dissolved
- Never shake
Storage
- Lyophilized: -20°C or refrigerated 2-8°C
- Reconstituted: Refrigerated 2-8°C (up to 30 days)
- Protect from direct light
- Do not freeze after reconstitution
Scientific Studies
Published studies on MOTS-C.
The Mitochondrial-Encoded Peptide MOTS-c Translocates to the Nucleus to Regulate Nuclear Gene Expression in Response to Metabolic Stress
Kim KH, Son JM, Benayoun BA, Lee C
The mitochondrial-derived peptide MOTS-c promotes metabolic homeostasis and reduces obesity and insulin resistance
Lee C, Zeng J, Drew BG, Sallam T, Martin-Montalvo A, Wan J, Kim SJ, Mehta H, Hevener AL, de Cabo R, Cohen P
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