What is MOTS-c?
MOTS-c is a 16-amino acid mitochondria-derived peptide (MDP) encoded within the 12S rRNA region of the mitochondrial genome — one of only a few proteins known to be encoded by mitochondrial DNA. Early human studies and animal research show it activates AMPK signaling, improves insulin sensitivity, enhances exercise capacity, and reduces age-related metabolic decline. Research only.
Mechanism of Action
AMPK activation via AICAR-independent pathway; modulation of ETAR (endothelin A receptor); improves mitochondrial energy coupling; translocates to nucleus to regulate stress response gene expression
Target: AMPK, ETAR (endothelin A receptor), mitochondrial genome
Research / educational reference. Educational research index only — not medical advice. Literature maturity is not a verdict on whether a compound works in people. Community reports are not evidence of efficacy.
Evidence at a glance
Derived · maturity-1.0Human efficacy is unproven unless an approved label or completed published efficacy program says otherwise. Counts reflect indexed literature volume/kind — never a verdict on effect.
Literature maturity
emerging 39/100
PubMed hits
255
CT.gov trials
3
Strong-human apps
0
Sample papers
8
Sample articles by era
- pre-20181
- 2018-20201
- 2021-20236
- 2024-202616
Application grades (curated)
- Human-grade apps1
- Animal / in-vitro0
- Mechanistic0
Does literature support studied applications?
Grades reflect cited literature posture — not a treatment recommendation. Community notes are never efficacy evidence.
| Application | Cited evidence | Grade | Community |
|---|---|---|---|
| Metabolic / exercise biology (preclinical + early human) | Mitochondrial-encoded peptide with metabolic findings in animals and limited human observational work. | Limited human | Community reports vary; not evidence of efficacy. |
Pharmacology
Mechanism of action
- •AMPK activation via AICAR-independent pathway; modulation of ETAR (endothelin A receptor); improves mitochondrial energy coupling; translocates to nucleus to regulate stress response gene expression
- •Primary target framing: AMPK, ETAR (endothelin A receptor), mitochondrial genome
Half-life
~1 hour (estimated)
Identity & chemistry
- CAS
- 1627580-64-6
- PubChem
- CID 146675088
- Formula
- C101H152N28O22S2
- Molar mass
- 2174.6 Da
- InChIKey
- WYTHCOXVWRKRAH-LOKRTKBUSA-N
Identity cross-checked with PubChem where available. Compass HTML used only as a bootstrap checklist — not republished as product copy.
Storage & stability
- Lyophilized
- 2–8°C; lyophilized typical shelf 18–24 months
- Reconstituted
- 2–8°C; in-use window often 21–30 days (product-dependent)
- Tell-tale degradation
- !Cloudiness, clumping, or particles after mixing
- !Discoloration versus the expected clear/colorless (or labeled) solution
- !Failed or incomplete reconstitution of lyophilized cake
Educational estimates. Prefer product labeling and peptide shelf-life tool.
Lab handling posture
Research / educational handling notes only. Not a substitute for an SDS.
- •Use PPE appropriate for peptide powder/solution handling
- •Avoid inhalation of lyophilized powder; handle spills per institutional policy
- •Do not present research materials as medicines
Sample indexed literature
- MOTS-c: A promising mitochondrial-derived peptide for therapeutic exploitation.
Frontiers in endocrinology · 2023 · PMID 36761202
- The mitochondrial-derived peptide MOTS-c relieves hyperglycemia and insulin resistance in gestational diabetes mellitus.
Pharmacological research · 2022 · PMID 34798268
- MOTS-c modulates skeletal muscle function by directly binding and activating CK2.
iScience · 2024 · PMID 39559755
- The mitochondrial-derived peptide MOTS-c promotes metabolic homeostasis and reduces obesity and insulin resistance.
Cell metabolism · 2015 · PMID 25738459
- Mitochondrial-Derived Peptide MOTS-c Suppresses Ovarian Cancer Progression by Attenuating USP7-Mediated LARS1 Deubiquitination.
Advanced science (Weinheim, Baden-Wurttemberg, Germany) · 2024 · PMID 39321430
- Mitochondrial-derived microprotein MOTS-c attenuates immobilization-induced skeletal muscle atrophy by suppressing lipid infiltration.
American journal of physiology. Endocrinology and metabolism · 2024 · PMID 38170165
Research Indications
Research supports improvements in mitochondrial bioenergetics and ATP production
May improve insulin sensitivity and glucose metabolism
Early research suggests potential effects on cellular aging markers
Research Protocols
These are commonly discussed research protocols — not medical advice. Consult a healthcare provider before use.
| Goal | Dose | Frequency | Route |
|---|---|---|---|
| Starting Dose | Low dose | Per protocol | Varies |
| Standard Dose | Titrated | Per protocol | Varies |
Peptide & Drug Interactions
Always consult your healthcare provider before combining with other compounds. Use our Interaction Checker for reference.
How to Reconstitute & Inject
Use bacteriostatic (BAC) water only. Avoid saline — may cause precipitation. Refrigerate and use within 28 days.
- 1
Remove MOTS-c vial from refrigeration and allow to reach room temperature (15–20 minutes)
- 2
Clean vial top with alcohol swab and allow to air dry completely
- 3
Using a sterile syringe, draw the calculated volume of bacteriostatic water (BAC water)
- 4
Inject BAC water slowly down the side of the vial — do not aim directly at the powder
- 5
Gently swirl in circular motions — DO NOT shake vigorously as this degrades the peptide
- 6
Allow 2–3 minutes for full dissolution — solution should be clear and colorless
- 7
Draw calculated dose into an insulin syringe for subcutaneous injection
- 8
Inject into abdomen, thigh, or upper arm. Rotate injection sites to prevent lipodystrophy
- 9
Store reconstituted solution refrigerated (2–8°C) and use within 28 days
What to Expect
Week 1–2
Initial effects and adaptation period. Monitor for any adverse reactions.
Week 2–4
Primary effects begin to manifest. Adjust dosing as recommended by your provider.
Week 4–8
Main therapeutic effects should be established. Assess progress with your provider.
Week 8+
Evaluate results and determine continuation, cycling, or dose adjustments.
Side Effects & Safety
- Injection site reactions (redness, bruising, mild pain)
- Potential for allergic reaction — discontinue if rash or hives occur
- Individual reactions vary — start at the lowest dose and monitor carefully
- Consult your healthcare provider before use and report any unusual symptoms
FDA Status & Regulatory Info
MOTS-c is a 16-amino acid mitochondria-derived peptide (MDP) encoded within the 12S rRNA region of the mitochondrial genome — one of only a few proteins known to be encoded by mitochondrial DNA. Early human studies and animal research show it activates AMPK signaling, improves insulin sensitivity, enhances exercise capacity, and reduces age-related metabolic decline. Research only.
Frequently Asked Questions
Research References
External links for education only. We do not control third-party content.
Community-reported data
The information below reflects self-reported experiences from PeptIQ app users. It is not clinical evidence and should not replace professional medical advice.
Community Intelligence
What 113 users report
Overall experience
From check-in ratings — separate from side effects logged below. Side effects are logged separately from overall experience. A favorable check-in can still include nausea, fatigue, or injection-site reactions.
Favorable 18% · Mixed 2% · Unfavorable overall 80%
Most reported benefits
Benefits users selected when logging a favorable or mixed check-in.
Most logged side effects
Side effects are logged separately from overall experience. A favorable check-in can still include nausea, fatigue, or injection-site reactions.
Self-reported dose per injection
Median bucket: 2–3 mg · Most common: 5+ mg
Reports span 0.01 to ≥ 5 mg (open-ended top bucket)
Anonymized self-reports from PeptIQ users — not prescribing guidance. Buckets group similar logged amounts; open-ended top buckets mean “at least” that dose.
Commonly stacked with
How repeat users are trending
Among repeat reporters, 56% said they felt similar to their last entry, 31% more positive, and 13% more negative.
Overall, repeat reporters leaned more positive than their previous entry.
Median gap between entries: 44 days · Based on 45 repeat reporters
Share Your Experience
Rate MOTS-c in the PeptIQ app and help the community make informed decisions.
Educational information only
This page is for educational reference. It is not medical or legal advice. PeptIQ does not sell peptides or list vendors. Consult the FDA and a licensed healthcare professional for current regulations and individualized guidance.