MOTS-c Mitochondrial-Derived Peptide Research
MOTS-c mitochondrial-derived peptide research — AMPK activation, exercise mimetic effects, glucose homeostasis, insulin sensitivity, aging research, and nuclear translocation mechanisms.
Featured Research
In-depth research profiles with mechanisms of action, key findings, and peer-reviewed citations.
MOTS-c (Mitochondrial Open Reading Frame of the 12S rRNA Type-c)
Also known as: MOTS-c, Mitochondrial-Derived Peptide
MOTS-c is a 16-amino-acid peptide encoded by the mitochondrial genome within the 12S rRNA gene. Discovered by Changhan David Lee and Pinchas Cohen at the University of Southern California in 2015, it was one of the first mitochondrial-derived peptides (MDPs) identified with significant metabolic regulatory activity. Its discovery challenged the longstanding view that the mitochondrial genome encod...
Quick Facts
Sequence: Met-Arg-Trp-Gln-Glu-Met-Gly-Tyr-Ile-Phe-Tyr-Pro-Arg-Lys-Leu-...
MW: 2174.68 g/mol
CAS: 1627580-64-6
Store lyophilized powder at -20C. Reconstituted solution should be refrigerated at 2-8C and used within 14 days. Protect...
Latest Research Articles
Deep-dive articles from the System Peptides Research Network.
MOTS-c: The Mitochondrial Peptide Reshaping Metabolic Research
Research review of MOTS-c — the mitochondria-derived peptide studied for AMPK activation, exercise mimetic effects, gluc...
Read Article Research ScienceAMPK Activation: The Metabolic Switch in Peptide Research
How AMPK — the master metabolic sensor — connects exercise, fasting, and metabolic peptides like MOTS-c and 5-Amino-1MQ....
Read Article ComparisonNAD+ vs MOTS-c: Mitochondrial Support Compounds Compared
Comparing NAD+ (direct coenzyme supplementation) and MOTS-c (mitochondrial signaling peptide) for metabolic and aging re...
Read ArticleResearch Applications
Key research categories and applications studied in the scientific literature.
Insulin Sensitivity
Considered a superior mitochondrial peptide that can improve insulin resistance, manage metabolic dysfunction, and aid in fat loss through AMPK-dependent pathways.
Anti-Aging & Longevity
Derived from mitochondria, MOTS-c improves metabolic function and cellular energy which typically decrease with age — a key marker of the aging process.
Weight Loss & Fat Metabolism
MOTS-c activates AMPK to enhance glucose uptake and fatty acid oxidation — the same metabolic switch engaged by endurance exercise — without requiring physical activity.
Exercise Mimetic
Called an 'exercise mimetic' because it activates the same transcriptional programs induced by endurance exercise — AMPK activation, enhanced glucose uptake, and mitochondrial biogenesis.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about mots-c research research, purity standards, and sourcing.
What is MOTS-c?
MOTS-c (Mitochondrial Open Reading Frame of the Twelve S rRNA Type-c) is a 16-amino acid peptide encoded by the mitochondrial genome. It is the first mitochondrial-derived peptide shown to activate AMPK and regulate nuclear gene expression — representing a novel retrograde signaling pathway from mitochondria to nucleus.
How does MOTS-c activate AMPK?
MOTS-c inhibits the folate cycle and de novo purine biosynthesis, increasing AICAR (an endogenous AMPK activator). The resulting increase in AMP:ATP ratio triggers AMPK activation, which switches cells from energy-consuming anabolic processes to energy-generating catabolic processes.
Why is MOTS-c called an exercise mimetic?
MOTS-c activates the same AMPK-dependent metabolic pathways engaged by endurance exercise — enhanced glucose uptake, fatty acid oxidation, and mitochondrial biogenesis. In preclinical models, MOTS-c improved exercise capacity and prevented diet-induced obesity.
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