# MOTS-c

> Mitochondrially-encoded peptide with reported insulin-sensitizing activity.

- Class: Mitochondrial, Longevity, Metabolic
- FDA approved: No
- Canonical page: https://www.americanpeptide.com/catalog/mots-c

## Overview

MOTS-c is a 16-amino-acid peptide encoded within the mitochondrial 12S rRNA region. Preclinical studies report improved insulin sensitivity, AMPK activation, and exercise capacity.

MOTS-c is a mitochondria-derived peptide: a 16-amino-acid sequence encoded within the mitochondrial 12S rRNA gene rather than the nuclear genome. It is one of a small family of peptides that the mitochondrion itself produces as signaling molecules.

Preclinical research reports that MOTS-c activates the cellular energy sensor AMPK and influences the folate–methionine cycle, with downstream effects on insulin sensitivity and exercise capacity. Its expression declines with age, fueling interest in metabolic and aging research.

## Mechanism

AMPK activation; modulation of folate / methionine cycle.

## Chemistry

| Property | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Molecular formula | C101H152N28O22S2 |
| Molecular weight | 2174.6 Da |
| PubChem CID | [146675088](https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/146675088) |

## Sequence

```
MRWQEMGYIFYPRKLR
```

## Research areas

Studied in: Metabolic disease, Exercise physiology, Aging biology.

Guides on this site:

- [Weight Loss & Metabolic Health](https://www.americanpeptide.com/research-areas/weight-loss): Incretin and metabolic peptides studied for glycemic control and fat loss.
- [Longevity & Aging](https://www.americanpeptide.com/research-areas/longevity-aging): Peptides studied across the aging axis — senescence, NAD+, and resilience.
- [Mitochondrial & Bioenergetics](https://www.americanpeptide.com/research-areas/mitochondrial): Mitochondria-targeted peptides studied for bioenergetics and cardiolipin.

## Key research

- AMPK activation — studied as a regulator of cellular energy metabolism.
- Insulin sensitivity — reported improvements in metabolic models.
- Exercise physiology — examined for exercise capacity and metabolic flexibility.
- Aging biology — expression declines with age, a focus of longevity research.
- Preclinical — not FDA-approved.

## FAQs

### What is MOTS-c?

MOTS-c is a mitochondria-derived peptide encoded in mitochondrial DNA, studied for effects on energy metabolism, insulin sensitivity, and exercise capacity.

### What does "mitochondria-derived" mean?

Unlike most peptides, which are encoded by the nuclear genome, MOTS-c is encoded within the mitochondrial genome and acts as a signaling molecule.

### What is it studied for?

Research focuses on AMPK activation, insulin sensitivity, exercise physiology, and aging biology, largely in preclinical models.

### Is it approved?

No — it is a research compound. This page is a research and educational reference.

## Latest research

Recent trials and publications mentioning MOTS-c, pulled automatically from ClinicalTrials.gov and PubMed (unfiltered search results, refreshed daily).

### Recent trials

- [Mitophagy and Mitochondrial DNA Dynamics During Ramadan Dry Fasting vs 16:8 Time-Restricted Feeding](https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT07638696) — NOT_YET_RECRUITING · NCT07638696
- [MOTS-c for Improving Insulin Sensitivity in Adults With Prediabetes and Overweight/Obesity](https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT07505745) — RECRUITING · PHASE2 · NCT07505745
- [Exercise Post-Diagnosis of Breast Cancer](https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT04013568) — COMPLETED · NA · NCT04013568
- [The Cardiovascular Effect of GLP-1 Agonist, SGLT2 Inhibitor and Their Combination](https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT03878706) — RECRUITING · NCT03878706
- [Long Term Outcomes After Vestibular Implantation](https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT06500975) — RECRUITING · NA · NCT06500975
- [Analysis of Effects of High-intensity Physical Exercise in Subjects With Dialyzed Chronic Kidney Disease and in Conservative Treatment](https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT07438002) — RECRUITING · NA · NCT07438002

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Source: AmericanPeptide.com — https://www.americanpeptide.com/catalog/mots-c
Data license: CC BY 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). Attribution: AmericanPeptide.com.
Research reference only — computational and educational content, not medical advice.