Viewing: 🌐 Global — general regulatory context regulatory framing only · all content visible everywhere · switch anytime
Compounds / MOTS-c

MOTS-c

Full name
Mitochondrial Open-reading-frame of the Twelve S rRNA-c
Mechanism
Mitochondrial-derived peptide encoded in the 12S rRNA region of mitochondrial DNA. Acts on AMPK and folate-methionine pathways to regulate metabolic homeostasis and insulin sensitivity; translocates to nucleus under metabolic stress.
Half-life
short systemic
Administration
subcutaneous
Typical dosage*
low: 5mg/week · typical: 5-10mg/week (research dosing varies widely) · high: 10mg 2-3x/week
Researched for
metabolic/exercise-mimetic research interest, longevity research
Reported side effects
very limited human safety data, anecdotal: injection-site reaction, fatigue
Interactions
not characterised
Commonly combined
MOTS-c standalone (anecdotal metabolic protocols)
Scheduling
🇦🇺 AUNot ARTG-registered; research
🇺🇸 USNot FDA-approved
🇬🇧 UKNot licensed
Regulatory status
Not approved. Human evidence is preclinical; clinical efficacy unproven.
Recon default
5000 mcg typical · 3 ml BAC · refrigerated

*Doses are commonly-reported figures from public sources, not a recommendation. Educational only.

15studies
9faqs
longevitymetabolicmitochondrial

Studies (15)

YearTitle / venueSource
2025MOTS-c attenuates lung ischemia-reperfusion injury via MYH9-Dependent nuclear translocation and transcriptional activation of antioxidant genes
Redox biology · preclinical
PMID 40403491
2025MOTS-c: Magical Molecule for Diabetic Cardiomyopathy?
Cardiovascular drugs and therapy · preclinical
PMID 40172798
2024Mitochondrial-Derived Peptide MOTS-c Suppresses Ovarian Cancer Progression by Attenuating USP7-Mediated LARS1 Deubiquitination
Advanced science (Weinheim, Baden-Wurttemberg, Germany) · preclinical
PMID 39321430
2024Novel function of MOTS-c in mitochondrial remodelling contributes to its antiviral role during HBV infection
Gut · preclinical
PMID 37788894
2024MOTS-c modulates skeletal muscle function by directly binding and activating CK2
iScience · preclinical
PMID 39559755
2024MOTS-c regulates the ROS/TXNIP/NLRP3 pathway to alleviate diabetic cardiomyopathy
Biochemical and biophysical research communications · preclinical
PMID 39616938
2024The Mitochondrial-Derived Peptide MOTS-c Alleviates Radiation Pneumonitis via an Nrf2-Dependent Mechanism
Antioxidants (Basel, Switzerland) · preclinical
PMID 38790718
2024Mitochondria-encoded peptide MOTS-c participates in plasma membrane repair by facilitating the translocation of TRIM72 to membrane
Theranostics · preclinical
PMID 39267782
2024Mitochondrial-derived microprotein MOTS-c attenuates immobilization-induced skeletal muscle atrophy by suppressing lipid infiltration
American journal of physiology. Endocrinology and metabolism · preclinical
PMID 38170165
2023MOTS-c Functionally Prevents Metabolic Disorders
Metabolites · preclinical
PMID 36677050
2023Role of MOTS-c in the regulation of bone metabolism
Frontiers in physiology · preclinical
PMID 37200834
2022The mitochondrial-derived peptide MOTS-c relieves hyperglycemia and insulin resistance in gestational diabetes mellitus
Pharmacological research · preclinical
PMID 34798268
2021MOTS-c reduces myostatin and muscle atrophy signaling
American journal of physiology. Endocrinology and metabolism · preclinical
PMID 33554779
2018The Mitochondrial-Encoded Peptide MOTS-c Translocates to the Nucleus to Regulate Nuclear Gene Expression in Response to Metabolic Stress
Cell metabolism · preclinical
PMID 29983246
2015The mitochondrial-derived peptide MOTS-c promotes metabolic homeostasis and reduces obesity and insulin resistance
Cell metabolism · preclinical
PMID 25738459

Questions (9)

What is MOTS-c?

MOTS-c (Mitochondrial Open-reading-frame of the Twelve S rRNA-c). Mitochondrial-derived peptide encoded in the 12S rRNA region of mitochondrial DNA. Acts on AMPK and folate-methionine pathways to regulate metabolic homeostasis and insulin sensitivity; translocates to nucleus under metabolic stress.

What is MOTS-c used for?

Commonly discussed uses: metabolic/exercise-mimetic research interest, longevity research. The evidence base is largely preclinical (animal/in-vitro); published randomised human clinical trials are lacking or absent. Note: most uses are not approved indications.

How does MOTS-c work?

Mechanism: Mitochondrial-derived peptide encoded in the 12S rRNA region of mitochondrial DNA. Acts on AMPK and folate-methionine pathways to regulate metabolic homeostasis and insulin sensitivity; translocates to nucleus under metabolic stress.

Is MOTS-c safe?

Reported considerations: very limited human safety data, anecdotal: injection-site reaction, fatigue. The evidence base is largely preclinical (animal/in-vitro); published randomised human clinical trials are lacking or absent. Not approved. Human evidence is preclinical; clinical efficacy unproven. This is not a safety endorsement; safety data for unapproved compounds is incomplete.

What is the typical dose of MOTS-c?

Commonly cited ranges (educational reference, not a recommendation): low 5mg/week, typical 5-10mg/week (research dosing varies widely), high 10mg 2-3x/week. Administration: subcutaneous. Half-life: short systemic.

Is MOTS-c legal in Australia?

Australian status: Not ARTG-registered; research. Not approved. Human evidence is preclinical; clinical efficacy unproven. General regulatory context: most active peptides are Schedule 4 and require a prescription; import via the Personal Importation Scheme requires a valid Australian prescription for prescription-only goods.

How do you store MOTS-c?

Reconstitution/storage reference: 2-3ml BAC water per 10mg vial; storage: refrigerated.

What is MOTS-c commonly stacked with?

Commonly discussed combinations (anecdotal for unapproved compounds): MOTS-c standalone (anecdotal metabolic protocols). Stacking increases interaction/safety uncertainty.