MOTS-c

Also known as: N-Acetyl MOTs-C, mitochondrial-derived peptide, MOTs-C Analog

Wellness

In plain English

MOTS-c is a small peptide encoded by our mitochondria (the cell's energy factories) that acts like an exercise-mimicking signal, helping regulate metabolism and physical performance. In animals it improved fitness and insulin sensitivity, and human exercise increases the body's own MOTS-c. But it has not been tested as a treatment in human trials, so its benefits and safety in people are unproven. It is not FDA-approved.

The science

MOTS-c is a 16-amino-acid mitochondrial-derived peptide encoded within the 12S rRNA region of mitochondrial DNA. It promotes metabolic homeostasis largely via AMPK activation and, under stress, translocates to the nucleus to regulate adaptive gene expression. In mice, MOTS-c treatment reduced diet-induced obesity and insulin resistance (Lee et al., Cell Metab 2015) and enhanced physical capacity/healthspan even when started late in life; in humans, exercise induces endogenous MOTS-c (Reynolds/Lee et al., Nat Commun 2021). Evidence is preclinical plus human observational; there are no therapeutic human trials, and it is not FDA-approved.

References

• Lee C et al., Cell Metab 2015
• Reynolds JC et al., Nat Commun 2021