A 16-amino acid mitochondrial-encoded peptide that acts as an exercise mimetic, regulating metabolic homeostasis, fatty acid oxidation, and AMPK activation.
~4 hours (systemic activity)
AMPK Cascade
C101H152N28O22S2
Investigated via subcutaneous and intraperitoneal administration in preclinical and translational endurance models.
Small or observational human data; warrants clinical caution.
Animal (rodent) and in-vitro cellular assays. Does NOT prove human efficacy.
Formal regulatory oversight and verified clinical development phase.
Evidence classification for MOTS-c: Human clinical data is strictly differentiated from non-human animal and in-vitro laboratory assays.
C101H152N28O22S2
Met-Arg-Trp-Gln-Glu-Met-Gly-Tyr-Ile-Phe-Tyr-Pro-Arg-Lys-Leu-Arg
Discovered in 2015 by Dr. Pinchas Cohen and Dr. Changhan Lee at the USC Davis School of Gerontology, MOTS-c (Mitochondrial Open Reading Frame of the 12S rRNA-c) is a mitochondrial-derived hormone. Unlike nuclear-encoded peptides, MOTS-c translocates to the nucleus under metabolic stress and orchestrates cellular energy flexibility, preventing diet-induced obesity and insulin resistance.
Stimulates AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) phosphorylation, inhibits the folate-methionine cycle, increases AICAR accumulation, enhances GLUT4 translocation in skeletal muscle, and promotes mitochondrial biogenesis.
Peer-reviewed publications, clinical trials, and preclinical research investigating MOTS-c.
The groundbreaking Cell Metabolism discovery paper isolating the mitochondrial hormone MOTS-c, demonstrating systemic metabolic reprogramming, AMPK phosphorylation, and reversal of insulin resistance.
Documented literature dosing intervals and published clinical trial protocols.
Frequency: Three times weekly
“Investigated primarily prior to exercise or during metabolic challenge periods.”
Frequency: Three times weekly
“Investigated primarily prior to exercise or during metabolic challenge periods.”
Biological delivery routes and standardized laboratory reconstitution principles.
Investigated via subcutaneous and intraperitoneal administration in preclinical and translational endurance models.
Lyophilized peptides must be reconstituted using sterile bacteriostatic water (0.9% benzyl alcohol) and maintained strictly refrigerated between 2°C - 8°C (36°F - 46°F), shielded from light.
View Full Preparation ProtocolTranslational biology consortia investigate how mitochondrial-encoded signaling peptides coordinate metabolic resilience and preserve skeletal muscle during intensive therapies.
Read ArticleCompiled from peer-reviewed biomedical literature, public clinical trial registries, and recognized reference catalog databases.
Pharmacological profiles, receptor targets, and clinical data are verified against primary registries:
Community research topics, peptide nomenclature, and aliases are cross-referenced with public catalogs:
This topic was identified through research of publicly available peptide resources and peer-reviewed literature. Peptide Health Digest provides independent scientific explanations and does not endorse commercial distribution.
