MOTS-c
Get a source-linked, educational explanation from this profile.
Complete Research Guide
Open each section for the available evidence. Gaps are stated rather than inferred.
Overview
MOTS-c is listed as mitochondrial / mitochondrial-derived peptide.
- •Metabolic dysfunction
- •Exercise capacity (research)
Regulatory status: Research peptide — not approved.
Structure & Properties
Compound: MOTS-c; also known as Mitochondrial Open Reading Frame of 12S rRNA-c.
Pharmacologic class: Mitochondrial / Mitochondrial-Derived Peptide.
Known delivery routes: Subcutaneous.
Sequence, molecular weight, salt form, and excipient details are formulation-specific and are not listed unless verified by a manufacturer or laboratory COA.
How It Works
16-aa peptide encoded in mtDNA — activates AMPK, enhances insulin sensitivity, regulates nuclear gene expression in response to metabolic stress.
- •AMPK activation
- •Improved insulin sensitivity in rodents
- •Potential anti-aging via mito-nuclear signaling
Human Research
Evidence grade: Pre-clinical / Observational
Evidence is primarily preclinical or observational; human effectiveness and long-term safety are not established.
Laboratory Research
Pre-clinical; early-phase human metabolic studies
Preclinical findings describe biological plausibility, not proven benefit in people. Animal and laboratory doses do not translate directly to human use.
Processing & Interactions
Timing and exposure
2–3× per week SubQ, morning preferred for metabolic alignment.
Potential interactions and combinations to avoid
- •No major peptide interactions documented
Absorption, half-life, metabolism, and clearance can vary by formulation and route. Use prescribing information when an approved product exists.
Safety & Precautions
Known or reported risks
- •Unknown long-term safety
- •Limited human PK data
Contraindications
- •Pregnancy
- •Active malignancy (caution)
- •Primary mitochondrial disease under specialist management (treatment interference)
- •Severe hepatic or renal impairment
- •Concurrent high-dose antioxidant or metformin therapy without metabolic monitoring
- •Bleeding disorders or anticoagulant therapy without physician guidance (injection-site haematoma)
- •Active skin infection, cellulitis, or lipohypertrophy at intended injection sites
- •Inability to maintain sterile technique or safe sharps disposal
- •Not FDA-approved for human therapeutic use — no verified purity, sterility, or potency standards
- •Immunocompromised or transplant patients (unverified sterility and immunogenicity risk)
- •Concurrent participation in drug-tested sport (WADA prohibited or non-cleared substance)
- •Known hypersensitivity or prior reaction to this compound or any excipient/diluent
- •Pregnancy, attempting conception, or breastfeeding unless prescribed and monitored by a physician
- •Children and adolescents with open growth plates (unless under specialist endocrine care)
- •Active or recently treated malignancy without oncology clearance
- •Use without a confirmed diagnosis, baseline labs, and licensed clinical supervision
Unknown long-term toxicity should be assumed where controlled human data are limited. Seek urgent care for a severe or unexpected reaction.
Administration & Studied Formulations
Reference range: 5–10 mg, 2–3×/week (anecdotal)
Frequency: Multiple weekly
Cycling: 8–12 week cycles reported in protocols.
Subcutaneous (SubQ)
Default route for most research and therapeutic peptides — best absorption for reconstituted powder.
31G × 5/16" insulin syringe (U-100). 100 units = 1 mL. Pinch skin at abdomen (2" from navel), outer thigh, or love handle. Insert at 45–90°. Rotate sites daily to prevent lipohypertrophy. Alcohol-swab site, air-dry, inject slow, hold 5 sec.
Dosing information is educational context, not a personal recommendation. Approved products must follow their label and prescriber instructions.
Applications & Related Therapies
Potentially complementary measures
- •SS-31, Humanin
- •GLP-1 therapy for metabolic synergy
Clinical use should account for diagnosis, approved alternatives, nutrition, activity, sleep, rehabilitation, current medicines, and appropriate monitoring.
Cases, Considerations & Ethics
Decision framework: establish the clinical goal, confirm evidence quality and legal status, screen contraindications and interactions, compare approved alternatives, define monitoring and stopping criteria, and use shared decision-making with a licensed clinician.
Case evidence: individual reports cannot establish safety or effectiveness and should not outweigh controlled trials.
Ethics: informed consent should distinguish established care from experimental use, disclose uncertainty and cost, avoid overstated claims, and never substitute research products for medically necessary care.
What is MOTS-c?
In plain words
MOTS-c is a short chain of 16 building blocks called amino acids, encoded by DNA in the cell’s energy-producing parts. It activates an energy-control system, helps the body respond to insulin, and changes how some genes work during energy stress. Researchers study it for problems with energy use and blood sugar control, as well as exercise capacity. Evidence comes from preclinical and observational research; it is not FDA-approved, and its long-term safety is unknown.
Technical definition
MOTS-c (Mitochondrial Open Reading Frame of 12S rRNA-c) is a 16-amino-acid mitochondrial-derived peptide encoded by mitochondrial DNA. It activates AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), enhances insulin sensitivity, and regulates nuclear gene expression in response to metabolic stress. It is a research peptide without FDA approval; evidence is preclinical or observational, with limited human pharmacokinetic data and unknown long-term safety.
Function
Dosing
Recommended Time of Day
Morning, fasted or pre-workout — AMPK activation pairs with daytime activity.
See “Timing & Interactions” below for full fasted/fed circumstances, what to avoid combining, and what pairs well.
Administration & Technique
Injection & Application Sites
- Abdomen — 2 in (5 cm) away from the navel, either side. Fastest, most consistent SubQ absorption.
- Flank / love handle — Lateral fat pad above the hip. Good rotation site when the abdomen is tender.
- Outer thigh — Upper outer quadrant, a hand-width below the hip. SubQ pinch at 45°.
Diagram is a general illustration, not a medical instruction. Rotate sites every injection, keep 1 in (2.5 cm) between recent sites, and avoid scars, moles, bruises and the navel area.
Cycling
8–12 week cycles reported in protocols.
Timing & Interactions
- ·No major peptide interactions documented
- ·SS-31, Humanin
- ·GLP-1 therapy for metabolic synergy
Storage & Reconstitution
Reconstitution Calculator
1 mL = 100 units on a standard U-100 insulin syringe. Draw to the nearest 0.5 unit and confirm dosing with a clinician before injection.
Your Notes
Sign in to save personal notes on MOTS-c and sync them to Vial Lab.
Benefits
- ·AMPK activation
- ·Improved insulin sensitivity in rodents
- ·Potential anti-aging via mito-nuclear signaling
Risks
- ·Unknown long-term safety
- ·Limited human PK data
Contraindications
- ·Pregnancy
- ·Active malignancy (caution)
- ·Primary mitochondrial disease under specialist management (treatment interference)
- ·Severe hepatic or renal impairment
- ·Concurrent high-dose antioxidant or metformin therapy without metabolic monitoring
- ·Bleeding disorders or anticoagulant therapy without physician guidance (injection-site haematoma)
- ·Active skin infection, cellulitis, or lipohypertrophy at intended injection sites
- ·Inability to maintain sterile technique or safe sharps disposal
- ·Not FDA-approved for human therapeutic use — no verified purity, sterility, or potency standards
- ·Immunocompromised or transplant patients (unverified sterility and immunogenicity risk)
- ·Concurrent participation in drug-tested sport (WADA prohibited or non-cleared substance)
- ·Known hypersensitivity or prior reaction to this compound or any excipient/diluent
- ·Pregnancy, attempting conception, or breastfeeding unless prescribed and monitored by a physician
- ·Children and adolescents with open growth plates (unless under specialist endocrine care)
- ·Active or recently treated malignancy without oncology clearance
- ·Use without a confirmed diagnosis, baseline labs, and licensed clinical supervision
Regulatory
Research peptide — not approved
Veterinary Use (Pets)
Emerging use for metabolic and geriatric support in horses; canine use exploratory.