Description

MOTS-c (Mitochondrial Open Reading Frame of the 12S rRNA Type-c) is a 16-amino-acid peptide encoded within the mitochondrial genome. It functions as a mitokine, exerting systemic effects by modulating metabolic homeostasis, enhancing insulin sensitivity, and promoting cellular resilience under stress conditions.

Research has shown that MOTS-c activates AMPK (AMP-activated protein kinase) and adaptive stress response pathways, leading to improved glucose uptake, fatty acid oxidation, and mitochondrial biogenesis. It has been investigated for its protective effects against diet-induced obesity, insulin resistance, and age-related metabolic decline in preclinical models.

Additionally, MOTS-c is of interest in studies exploring muscle endurance, exercise adaptation, and healthy lifespan extension, due to its ability to mimic exercise-like metabolic effects. As a unique peptide encoded by mitochondrial DNA, MOTS-c represents an emerging class of mitochondria-derived regulatory molecules with therapeutic potential in metabolic, aging, and degenerative disease research.