MOTS-C
Mitochondrial Open Reading Frame of the 12S rRNA-c
Molecular Details
Overview
MOTS-c is a 16-amino acid mitochondrial-derived peptide (MDP) encoded by the mitochondrial MT-RNR1 gene rather than the nuclear genome. Discovered in 2015, it represents a unique class of bioactive compounds derived from organellar genomes. The peptide is activated by metabolic stress and physical exercise, with expression declining with age. MOTS-c signals through the folate-AICAR-AMPK pathway, and is the first mitochondrial-encoded peptide to advance into human clinical trials.
Published Research
Metabolic Homeostasis & Obesity
In vivo (mouse) · 2015The seminal discovery study published in Cell Metabolism showed MOTS-c administration reduces obesity and insulin resistance in mouse models through AMPK-dependent pathways and enhanced glucose utilization in skeletal muscle.
Type 2 Diabetic Cardiac Function
In vivo (rat) · 2025In diabetic rat models, daily MOTS-c administration for 3 weeks restored mitochondrial respiration, improved cardiac contractility, and upregulated antioxidant defense genes (catalase, SOD2).
Pancreatic Islet Senescence Prevention
In vivo (aging mice) · 2025MOTS-c treatment reduced age-related pancreatic islet cell senescence, improved glucose tolerance, and delayed progression of diabetes in aging mice through mitochondrial function enhancement.
Anti-inflammatory & Analgesic Mechanism
In vivo (mouse) · 2020MOTS-c administration produced antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory effects via AMPK pathway activation in formalin-induced pain models, linking mitochondrial peptide signaling to neuroinflammatory processes.
Storage & Handling
Store lyophilized powder at –20°C or –80°C. Contains methionine — vulnerable to oxidative degradation; nitrogen or argon purging recommended. Prepare solutions fresh and aliquot for immediate use. Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles.
For research purposes only. Not intended for human consumption. This profile summarizes published preclinical literature and does not constitute medical, clinical, or dosage guidance.