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MOTS-c:
Complete Research Guide

Full reference for the mitochondria-derived metabolic peptide โ€” mechanism, animal evidence, human genetics data, dosing protocol, and COA-verified pricing.

๐Ÿงฌ Class Mitokine
๐Ÿ“… Discovered 2015
๐Ÿ”ฌ Evidence Preclinical + Early Human
Jump toOverviewMechanismEvidenceProtocolPricing
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Research context only. All content is educational based on published research. Not medical advice.

Overview

MOTS-c at a Glance

Origin
Mitochondrial DNA
Encoded in 12S rRNA gene โ€” one of few peptides from the mitochondrial genome
Discovered
2015
Dr. Pinchas Cohen, USC; identified as mitochondria-derived hormone
Primary mechanism
AMPK activation
Exercise-mimicking metabolic pathway; nuclear translocation under stress
Evidence stage
Preclinical + early human
Strong animal and human genetics data; clinical trials in early stages
Mechanism

The Mitochondria-Nucleus Axis

MOTS-c represents a newly characterized communication pathway between mitochondria and the nucleus. Under metabolic stress or exercise, mitochondria release MOTS-c, which travels to the nucleus and directly regulates gene expression โ€” turning on metabolic adaptation programs and stress response pathways.

The primary downstream effect is AMPK activation. AMPK is the cell's energy sensor โ€” when activated, it signals that cellular energy (ATP) is low, triggering conservation and efficiency measures: fatty acid oxidation increases, glucose uptake in muscle improves, mitochondrial biogenesis is upregulated, and protein synthesis (energy-expensive) is modulated. These are collectively the metabolic adaptations that make exercise beneficial.

Evidence

Research Summary

ApplicationEvidence LevelKey Findings
Insulin sensitivityStrong (animal)Reversed diet-induced and age-related insulin resistance in multiple models
Metabolic syndromeStrong (animal)Reduced obesity, improved lipid profiles, lowered blood glucose in obese mice
Physical performanceModerate (animal)Improved exercise capacity in aged mice; reduced age-related performance decline
LongevityAnimal + Human geneticsLifespan extension in model organisms; centenarian variant association in humans
Human clinicalEarly stagePhase 1 safety data emerging; no Phase 2/3 efficacy trials completed
Protocol

Research Protocol

ParameterValueNotes
Dose5โ€“10mg per injectionAnimal studies suggest no strong advantage above 10mg in humans
Frequency2โ€“3x weeklyIntermittent signaling; not daily โ€” mirrors exercise periodization logic
Cycle8โ€“12 weeksMetabolic adaptations accumulate over weeks
TimingPre or post-exerciseExercise amplifies AMPK pathway; synergistic timing potential
RouteSubQ injectionStandard subcutaneous; abdomen or thigh
Pricing

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