PubMed
MOTS-c is an ancient mitochondrial-encoded regulator of metabolic homeostasis
Lee et al., 2015
MitochondrialResearch OnlyB
MOTS-c
Mitochondrial ORF of 12S rRNA type-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.
Observational report only — live community data. Not medical advice. Does not recommend doses, protocols, or treatments.
- Studies cited
- 8
- Research grade
- B
- Experience
- 27
- Activity
- 40
Overall check-ins
Trackers & reports
Overview
About 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.
- Category
- Mitochondrial
- Regulatory status
- Research Only
- Also known as
- Mitochondrial ORF of 12S rRNA type-c
- Self-reports
- 111
Community
What 111 users report
111 community reports
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 17% · Mixed 2% · Unfavorable overall 81%
Most reported benefits
Benefits users selected when logging a favorable or mixed check-in.
Appetite
230
Energy
45
Mood
1
Recovery
1
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.
Injection site irritation
191
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)
0.01–0.025 mg
4
0.1–0.2 mg
1
0.2–0.4 mg
8
0.4–0.6 mg
11
0.6–1 mg
8
1–2 mg
42
2–3 mg
44
3–5 mg
7
5+ mg
106
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
Research
Cited research (6)
Source
PubMed
MOTS-c: A mitochondrial-encoded peptide regulating muscle function
Reynolds et al., 2021
PubMed
MOTS-c improves insulin sensitivity in mice and humans
Kim et al., 2019
ClinicalTrials.gov
MOTS-c metabolic studies on ClinicalTrials.gov
ClinicalTrials.gov, 2024
PubMed
MOTS-c: A promising mitochondrial-derived peptide for therapeutic exploitation
Zheng et al., 2023
PubMed
MOTS-c: A novel mitochondrial-derived peptide regulating muscle and fat metabolism
Lee et al., 2016
Tools
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Frequently asked
What do PeptIQ users report about MOTS-c?
This page summarizes 111 anonymized self-reports from PeptIQ users who track MOTS-c, including commonly reported effects and co-tracked peptides. These are observational patterns, not clinical outcomes.
How do side effects relate to overall experience for MOTS-c?
PeptIQ separates overall check-in ratings (favorable, mixed, or unfavorable) from logged side effects like nausea or fatigue. Users often report benefits and side effects in the same check-in — a high experience score does not mean zero side effects were noted.
What research is cited for MOTS-c?
6 sources are linked on this page, including PubMed articles, clinical trial registries, and FDA labels where applicable. Citations describe published research — not recommendations.
Is MOTS-c safe to use?
This wiki does not assess safety or recommend use. MOTS-c is listed as Research Only. Consult a licensed clinician for personal medical decisions.
What are the purported benefits and uses of MOTS-c?
Research, primarily in animal models, suggests MOTS-c may have a wide range of therapeutic potentials due to its ability to promote angiogenesis (formation of new blood vessels), stimulate collagen synthesis, and modulate inflammatory responses.
SourceWhat is the legal status of MOTS-c?
MOTS-c is not approved by the FDA for any human use. There is no legal basis for selling it as a drug, food, or dietary supplement in the United States. The FDA has classified MOTS-c as a Category 2 bulk drug substance, which explicitly prohibits licensed compounding pharmacies from using it in compounded medications.
SourceWhat are the known or theoretical side effects and risks of MOTS-c?
The safety and effectiveness of MOTS-c have not been thoroughly evaluated in humans through rigorous clinical trials. This lack of human data means that safe dosages, short-term side effects, and long-term health consequences are largely unknown.
SourceWhat is the current state of research on MOTS-c?
While there are over 200 published studies on MOTS-c, the vast majority are animal or in vitro (cell) studies. These preclinical studies consistently show positive results across various tissue types. However, there is a significant lack of comprehensive human clinical trial data.
Source