Description
THE SCIENCE, SIMPLIFIED
How MOTS-C Works
Exercise in a Molecule
MOTS-c is a 16-amino acid peptide encoded in the mitochondrial genome. When released, it travels to skeletal muscle where it activates AMPK – the same master metabolic switch triggered by exercise. This leads to improved glucose uptake, enhanced fat burning, and better insulin sensitivity without actual physical activity.
Primary
AMPK Pathway
Folate-AICAR-AMPK Pathway
- Increases glucose uptake
- Enhances fatty acid oxidation
- Improves insulin sensitivity
Secondary
Gene Regulation
Nuclear Translocation
- Regulates stress response genes
- Promotes metabolic adaptation
- Enhances cellular resilience
Supportive
SIRT1 Pathway
NAD+/Sirtuin 1 Signaling
- Increases NAD+ levels
- Activates longevity genes
- Enhances mitochondrial function
Lee et al., Cell Metabolism 2015
KEY MECHANISM
Why It Mimics Exercise
MOTS-c is naturally released from muscles during exercise. When given exogenously, it replicates the metabolic benefits of physical activity by activating the same AMPK-dependent pathways.
| Muscle MOTS-c (post-exercise) | 11.9x increase |
| Plasma MOTS-c (post-exercise) | 1.6x increase |
| MOTS-c levels (age 70-81) | ~21% decline |
| MOTS-c in obese subjects | ~16% lower |
CLINICAL EVIDENCE
What Research Has Shown
Summary of preclinical and early clinical findings
Preclinical + Phase 1 Analog Trial
Physical Performance Improvement
Key Outcomes
Key Research Outcomes
Most data from preclinical studies in mice. Analog CB4211 completed Phase 1a in healthy humans.
MOTS-c Effects on Metabolism
| Insulin sensitivity (aged mice) | Restored |
| Body weight (HFD) | 85% of control |
| Fat oxidation | 140% increase |
ADDITIONAL RESEARCH
Beyond Exercise Mimicry
Other benefits observed in research
6.4%
Lifespan extension (median)
Reynolds 2021
55%
Reduced vascular calcification
Wei 2020
Bone Health
Osteoporosis Protection
MOTS-c treatment reduced bone loss in ovariectomized mice
Immune Function
Enhanced Infection Resistance
Dramatically improved survival in MRSA-infected mice
| Pretreatment survival | 20% to 79% |
| Post-infection treatment | 50% to 100% |
| Bacterial load | Reduced |
| Pro-inflammatory cytokines | Dampened |
SAFETY DATA
Safety Profile from Research
What preclinical and early clinical studies report
MOTS-c safety data in humans is limited. The analog CB4211 was safe in Phase 1a trials. Preclinical data shows a favorable safety profile.
Headache
MILD
Injection site
MILD
Serious Events
NONE
IMPORTANT CONSIDERATION
Sex-Dependent Response
MOTS-c effects appear to be sex-dependent:
- Males show greater metabolic dysfunction when MOTS-c is low
- Pre-menopausal women may have estrogen-mediated protection
- Efficacy may differ between men and women
COMPOUND DETAILS
Compound Information
What Is MOTS-c?
MOTS-c (Mitochondrial ORF of the 12S rRNA type-c) is a 16-amino acid peptide encoded within the mitochondrial genome. It was discovered in 2015 by Dr. Pinchas Cohen at the University of Southern California. Unlike nuclear-encoded peptides, MOTS-c is one of the few known bioactive peptides produced by mitochondrial DNA.
| Type | Mitochondrial-derived peptide |
| Amino Acids | 16 |
| Sequence | MRWQEMGYIFYPRKLR |
| Molecular Weight | 2,174.6 g/mol |
| Encoded in | 12S rRNA (mtDNA) |
Stability Information
Lyophilized powder
-20C – stable long term
Reconstituted – EXTREMELY SENSITIVE
2-8C – use immediately (85-90% degradation in 2-3 hrs at room temp)
RESEARCH STATUS
Where It Stands
| Discovery | Pinchas Cohen, USC 2015 |
| Primary research | Exercise mimetic / longevity |
| Analog in trials | CB4211 for NAFLD |
| Current status | Research compound only |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about MOTS-c research
Sources & References
Peer-reviewed research
IMPORTANT RESEARCH NOTICE
Not for human consumption. This product is sold exclusively for research and educational purposes. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
By purchasing this product, you confirm that you are a qualified researcher and will use it in accordance with all applicable laws and regulations.
Verified Researcher –
Excellent purity and fast shipping. MOTS-c exceeded my research expectations.