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Extensively Studied

MOTS-c

MOTS-c is a 16-amino acid mitochondrial-derived peptide encoded by the mitochondrial genome.

Also known as: Mitochondrial Open Reading Frame of the 12S rRNA-c

Typical Dose 5-10mg
Storage Refrigerate reconstituted; store lyophilized powder away from light
How Often Once daily

Overview

MOTS-c is a 16-amino acid mitochondrial-derived peptide encoded by the mitochondrial genome. It acts as a mitohormone that regulates metabolic homeostasis, enhances insulin sensitivity, and promotes longevity. MOTS-c operates through the Folate-AICAR-AMPK pathway and can translocate to the nucleus under metabolic stress to regulate gene expression.

Key Benefits

  • Insulin Resistance
  • Type 2 Diabetes
  • Obesity Prevention

Enhanced insulin sensitivity, improved glucose metabolism, activation of AMPK pathway, mitochondrial function optimization, exercise performance enhancement, and potential longevity benefits.

Mechanism of Action

MOTS-c operates through the Folate-AICAR-AMPK pathway, inhibiting the folate cycle and leading to AMPK activation. Under metabolic stress, it translocates to the nucleus and binds to stress-response transcription factors (NRF2, ATF1/ATF7) to regulate gene expression involved in metabolism, antioxidant response, and cellular stress adaptation.

Pharmacokinetics

Peak plasma concentration: 1 hr. Elimination half-life: 4 hrs. Largely cleared by: ~20 hrs.

Research Protocols Injectable

GoalDoseFrequencyRoute
Metabolic health5-10mgOnce dailySubcutaneous
Anti-aging protocol15mg3x weeklySubcutaneous
Exercise performance10-15mgPre-workoutSubcutaneous
Conservative start5mgOnce dailySubcutaneous
Low-dose stack protocol1mg3x weeklySubcutaneous

Research protocols from published literature — not dosing recommendations.

Peptide Interactions

  • Metformin — Use Caution: Both activate AMPK pathway - may cause additive hypoglycemic effects. Monitor blood glucose closely.
  • NAD+ Precursors — Synergistic: Complementary mitochondrial enhancement through different pathways. May amplify metabolic and anti-aging benefits.
  • Growth Hormone Peptides — Compatible: Different mechanisms allow safe combination with potential synergistic metabolic benefits.
  • Berberine — Monitor Combination: Both are AMPK activators with potential for additive glucose-lowering effects.
  • Resveratrol — Synergistic: Complementary SIRT1/AMPK activation may enhance longevity and metabolic benefits.
  • Diabetes Medications — Use Caution: Enhanced insulin sensitivity may require dose adjustments to prevent hypoglycemia.

Peptide Instructions Injectable

Supplies:

  • Lyophilized MOTS-c peptide vial
  • Bacteriostatic water (BAC water)
  • Insulin syringes (0.5-1mL)
  • Alcohol swabs
  • Sterile work surface

How to Reconstitute Injectable

  1. 1Allow vial to reach room temperature (15-20 minutes)
  2. 2Calculate required BAC water volume using calculator below
  3. 3Draw BAC water into syringe
  4. 4Inject slowly down vial side (not directly onto powder)
  5. 5Gently swirl until dissolved (never shake vigorously)
  6. 6Store reconstituted solution at 2-8°C and use within 14 days

What to Expect Injectable

Week 1-2: AMPK pathway activation, initial glucose tolerance improvements. Week 2-4: Enhanced exercise capacity, improved insulin sensitivity. Week 4-8: Sustained metabolic benefits, potential body composition improvements. Week 8-12: Maximum mitochondrial function enhancement, metabolic flexibility. Side effects: Generally mild, possible injection site reactions.

Side Effects & Safety

Generally well-tolerated in animal studies with minimal side effects. Monitor blood glucose if using diabetes medications - may require dose adjustments. Limited long-term human safety data - use with appropriate medical supervision. May cause mild injection site reactions (redness, swelling). Not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Prohibited by WADA for competitive athletes (metabolic modulator).

Generally well-tolerated in animal studies with minimal side effects. Monitor blood glucose if using diabetes medications - may require dose adjustments. Limited long-term human safety data - use with appropriate medical supervision. May cause mild injection site reactions (redness, swelling). Not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Prohibited by WADA for competitive athletes (metabolic modulator).

Community Insights

MOTS-c should be stored at Lyophilized: room temp 3 weeks or freezer. Reconstituted: 2-8°C for 14 days.

Molecular Information

Molecular Weight 2,174.6 Da
Length 16
Type Mitochondrial-derived peptide (MDP)
Sequence MRWQEMGYIFYPRKLR (Met-Arg-Trp-Gln-Glu-Met-Gly-Tyr-Ile-Phe-Tyr-Pro-Arg-Lys-Leu-Arg)

References

  1. Exploring the therapeutic potential of MOTS-c in age-related macular degeneration: from cellular responses to patient-derived cybrids Mohtashami, Z., Schneider, K., Azimi, R., et al., Singh, M.K. · Human Cell 2025
  2. MOTS-c is an effective target for treating cancer-induced bone pain through the induction of AMPK-mediated mitochondrial biogenesis Yang, L., Li, M., Liu, Y., et al., Liu, S. · Acta Biochimica et Biophysica Sinica 2024
  3. Mitochondria-derived peptide MOTS-c: effects and mechanisms related to stress, metabolism and aging Wan, W., Zhang, L., Lin, Y., et al., Ying, J. · Journal of Translational Medicine 2023
  4. MOTS-c Serum Concentration Positively Correlates with Lower-Body Muscle Strength and Is Not Related to Maximal Oxygen Uptake Domin, R., Pytka, M., Żołyński, M., et al., Ruchała, M. · International Journal of Molecular Sciences 2023
  5. MOTS-c increases in skeletal muscle following long-term physical activity and improves acute exercise performance after a single dose Hyatt, J.P., et al. · Physiological Reports 2022
  6. The mitochondrial-derived peptide MOTS-c relieves hyperglycemia and insulin resistance in gestational diabetes mellitus Yin, X., et al. · Pharmacological Research 2022
  7. MOTS-c, the Most Recent Mitochondrial Derived Peptide in Human Aging and Age-Related Diseases Mohtashami, Z., Singh, M.K., Salimiaghdam, N., et al., Kenney, M.C. · International Journal of Molecular Sciences 2022
  8. MOTS-c is an exercise-induced mitochondrial-encoded regulator of age-dependent physical decline and muscle homeostasis Reynolds, J.C., Lai, R.W., Woodhead, J.S.T., et al., Lee, C. · Nature Communications 2021
  9. The mitochondrial-encoded peptide MOTS-c translocates to the nucleus to regulate nuclear gene expression in response to metabolic stress Kim, K.H., Son, J.M., Benayoun, B.A., Lee, C. · Cell Metabolism 2018
  10. Downregulation of circulating MOTS-c levels in patients with coronary endothelial dysfunction Qin, Q., Delrio, S., Wan, J., et al., Lerman, A. · International Journal of Cardiology 2018
  11. The mitochondrial-derived peptide MOTS-c promotes metabolic homeostasis and reduces obesity and insulin resistance Lee, C., Zeng, J., Drew, B.G., et al., Cohen, P. · Cell Metabolism 2015

Research reference only. Not medical advice.