⚠️ Research Use Only. This post is educational and does not constitute medical advice. All peptides discussed are sold for research purposes only. See our full disclaimer.
Overview
MOTS-c is a mitochondrial-derived peptide studied for metabolic regulation, insulin sensitivity, and exercise capacity.
What is MOTS-c?
MOTS-c is one of a small but growing class of mitochondrial-derived peptides — short peptides encoded in mitochondrial DNA rather than nuclear DNA. It was identified in 2015 and has rapidly become one of the more interesting longevity research compounds.
Unlike most peptides which act on cell-surface receptors, MOTS-c translocates into the cell nucleus under metabolic stress and modulates gene expression. It activates the AMPK pathway — the same energy-sensing pathway targeted by metformin — and has shown effects on insulin sensitivity, glucose uptake, and exercise capacity in mouse models.
A 2018 paper by Reynolds and colleagues showed MOTS-c administration improved running endurance in mice, with treated animals running roughly twice as long as controls. Other research has examined its effects on diet-induced obesity, where MOTS-c reduced fat accumulation and improved metabolic markers.
MOTS-c is most commonly examined alongside other longevity peptides and is sometimes researched in combination with Epithalon or GH secretagogues for a multi-pathway approach to age-related metabolic decline. Research dosing typically cites 5-10 mg subcutaneous, several times per week, with cycles of 4-12 weeks.
Top Research Uses
- Mitochondrial health
- Metabolic regulation
- Insulin sensitivity
- Exercise capacity research
- Longevity
Mechanism of Action
Translocates to the nucleus to regulate metabolic gene expression and activates AMPK pathway
Research Parameters
| Half-Life | Estimated short (hours) but functional effects persist longer |
| Typical Research Dose | Research literature commonly cites 5-10 mg subq, often 3x weekly |
| Administration Route | Subcutaneous |
| Reported Side Effects | Generally well-tolerated in published research; occasional fatigue or injection site response reported anecdotally |
Dosing ranges cited from published research literature. These are not recommendations for human use. MOTS-c is a research compound — not for human consumption.
Research Strength: Moderate
MOTS-c has a moderate research base, with a reasonable number of studies examining its proposed mechanisms. More research is ongoing.
Vendor & Sourcing Notes
Sold as research-grade lyophilized powder; quality varies — request HPLC purity reports
Always request third-party HPLC purity reports and mass spectrometry verification when sourcing research peptides. Quality varies significantly between suppliers.
Research Use Only — Compliance Notice
The information on this page is intended for educational and informational purposes only. MOTS-c (Mitochondrial Open Reading Frame of 12S rRNA Type-c) is a research compound sold for laboratory research purposes only. It has not been approved by the FDA for human use. Nothing on this page constitutes medical advice or is intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before considering any peptide-related protocols.
