MOTS-c
Overview
A mitochondrial-derived peptide encoded by the 12S rRNA gene of mitochondrial DNA. MOTS-c is a 16-amino acid peptide that acts as an exercise mimetic by activating AMPK and regulating metabolic homeostasis. It translocates to the nucleus under metabolic stress to regulate nuclear gene expression related to glucose metabolism and cellular stress responses.
Key Research Findings
Research demonstrated prevention of age-dependent and high-fat diet-induced insulin resistance in mice. MOTS-c levels decline with age and are elevated after exercise. Studies show improved physical performance in aged mice and regulation of skeletal muscle metabolism (Lee et al., Cell Metabolism, 2015).
Subcutaneous injection
Research Phase
Interested in MOTS-c?
Find a verified provider experienced with MOTS-c protocols in your area. All providers are credentialed and use compliant sourcing.
Find a MOTS-c ProviderRelated Peptides
Epithalon (Epitalon)
Research PhaseA synthetic tetrapeptide (Ala-Glu-Asp-Gly) based on the natural epithalamin peptide produced by the pineal gland. Epithalon activates telomerase, the enzyme responsible for maintaining telomere length, thereby potentially extending cellular replicative capacity. It also stimulates melatonin production and modulates neuroendocrine system function associated with aging.
Humanin
Research PhaseA 24-amino acid mitochondrial-derived peptide encoded within the 16S rRNA region of mitochondrial DNA. Humanin exerts cytoprotective and neuroprotective effects by interacting with IGFBP-3, BAX, and the FPRL-1 receptor. It inhibits apoptosis through suppression of the intrinsic mitochondrial death pathway and reduces amyloid-beta-induced neurotoxicity.
NAD+ Precursors (NMN)
In Clinical TrialsNicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN) is a direct biosynthetic precursor to nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+), a coenzyme essential for cellular metabolism, DNA repair (via sirtuins and PARPs), and circadian rhythm regulation. NAD+ levels decline with age, and NMN supplementation restores tissue NAD+ levels, activating SIRT1-mediated pathways that regulate mitochondrial biogenesis and oxidative stress resistance.
SS-31 (Elamipretide)
In Clinical TrialsA mitochondria-targeted tetrapeptide (D-Arg-dimethylTyr-Lys-Phe-NH2) that selectively concentrates in the inner mitochondrial membrane by binding to cardiolipin. SS-31 stabilizes cytochrome c interactions with cardiolipin, optimizing electron transport chain efficiency and reducing mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (ROS) production. It restores mitochondrial bioenergetics in aged and diseased tissues without acting as a conventional antioxidant scavenger.