Compound Reference

MOTS-c

A 16-amino-acid peptide encoded in mitochondrial 12S rRNA · metabolic research

Metabolic · mitochondrialEvidence: preclinical (early human interest)RUO · not FDA-approved

Research Use Only. MOTS-c is not an approved medicine and not for human use. Educational only — no dosing or medical advice.

What it is

MOTS-c is a mitochondrial-derived peptide (MDP) — a short peptide encoded within the mitochondrial 12S rRNA gene rather than the nuclear genome. Its discovery helped establish that mitochondria themselves encode signaling peptides.¹

Proposed mechanism

Metabolic regulation via AMPK. MOTS-c is reported to activate the AMPK energy-sensing pathway, improving insulin sensitivity and glucose handling in animal models.¹
Stress-responsive gene regulation. Under metabolic stress it is reported to translocate to the nucleus and influence adaptive gene expression — an "exercise-mimetic" theme in the literature.

Evidence & status

Preclinical: notable mouse metabolic/exercise data.
Human: early interest, limited controlled data; no Phase III.
RUO; not FDA-approved.

References

MOTS-c / mitochondrial-derived peptides in metabolism (literature). PubMed: MOTS-c

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For educational and research purposes only. This content is not medical advice. Compounds referenced are research use only and not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Free Peptide University does not sell compounds.