Machine-assisted translation — the German original version is authoritative.
Longevity & Immune System
MOTS-c
MOTSc · Mitochondrial ORF of the 12S rRNA type-c
MOTS-c is a peptide of 16 amino acids that is encoded not in the cell nucleus but in mitochondrial DNA (in the 12S rRNA region) — a so-called mitochondrial-derived peptide. In cell and animal studies it promotes insulin sensitivity and energy metabolism and acts like an "exercise mimetic". It is not approved, and sound human studies are largely lacking.
Regulatory status
Not approved for humans
Purely a research substance — no approval, hardly any human data.
Drug class
Mitochondrially encoded peptide (mitochondrial-derived peptide)
Half-life (informative)
Short in models.
Studied in the literature
In animal studies systemically (injected).
Mechanism of action
MOTS-c activates, among other things, the AMPK signaling pathway, intervenes in folate and purine metabolism, and translocates to the cell nucleus under metabolic stress, where it regulates stress-response genes. In models this improves glucose and fat utilization, especially in skeletal muscle.
The evidence is preclinical — its transferability to humans is open.
Research history
MOTS-c was described in 2015 by Lee, Cohen, and colleagues in Cell Metabolism and has since been studied as a model for mitochondrial signaling and aging processes.
Regulatory status by region
No approval for human use.
Research areas
- Insulin resistance and type-2 diabetes (preclinical)
- Obesity and energy metabolism
- Mitochondrial aging; exercise mimetic
Documented effects (from the literature)
- In animal models, metabolic effects (improved insulin sensitivity).
- Human safety is not established.
Safety concerns & caution
- There are no controlled human studies on safety and efficacy.
- Long-term effects are unknown.
Risks of gray-market purchase
- Traded as a "research" peptide; purity and identity are untested.
- "Anti-aging" marketing claims without a clinical basis.
Frequently asked questions
Are there human studies on MOTS-c?
The supporting data come from cell and animal models. For sound statements on benefit and safety in humans, controlled studies are lacking.
Sources
Primary and reference sources for your own reading.
Related substances
Unfamiliar terms? Look them up in the glossary or read the fundamentals.
This profile is for information and education only. It is not medical advice and deliberately contains no dosing or usage details. Decisions about use belong in a doctor’s hands.