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MOTS-c
Research Use
Also known as Mitochondrial Open Reading Frame of 12S rRNA-c
Function
Primary
Metabolic dysfunction · Exercise capacity (research)
Mechanism
16-aa peptide encoded in mtDNA — activates AMPK, enhances insulin sensitivity, regulates nuclear gene expression in response to metabolic stress.
Evidence
Pre-clinical / Observational
Research
Pre-clinical; early-phase human metabolic studies
Dosing
Range
5–10 mg, 2–3×/week (anecdotal)
Frequency
Multiple weekly
Route
Subcutaneous
Cycling
8–12 week cycles reported in protocols.
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)
Regulatory
Research peptide — not approved
Functional Groups
Cited Works
- Lee C et al. The mitochondrial-derived peptide MOTS-c regulates insulin sensitivity. Cell Metab. 2015;21:443.source