# MOTS-c

> Mitochondrial-derived peptide studied for metabolic health.

Source: https://peptides.cafe/peptide/mots-c
Category: Mitochondrial · Metabolic
Tag: Longevity

## Mechanism
A 16-amino-acid peptide encoded within the mitochondrial 12S rRNA gene. Research suggests it activates AMPK, enhances insulin sensitivity, and regulates nuclear gene expression in response to metabolic stress — positioning it as a candidate mitochondrial-nuclear signaling peptide.

## Research areas
- Insulin sensitivity
- Exercise capacity and mitochondrial biogenesis
- Age-related metabolic decline
- Obesity models

## Common research protocols
- Subcutaneous research: Investigational dosing in animal metabolic studies.

## Study summaries
- "The mitochondrial-derived peptide MOTS-c promotes metabolic homeostasis" — Cell Metabolism (2015): Foundational paper establishing AMPK-dependent metabolic effects.
- "MOTS-c levels decline with age" — Aging (2018): Circulating MOTS-c associated with age-related metabolic phenotypes.

## Considerations
- Early-stage research; no approved human therapeutic use.
- Long-term effects unknown.

## Disclaimer
Educational content only. Not medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Most research peptides are not FDA-approved for human therapeutic use. Consult a licensed clinician before any use.