Description
MOTS-c
MOTS-c (Mitochondrial Open Reading Frame of the 12S rRNA-c) is a naturally occurring 16-amino acid peptide encoded directly by mitochondrial DNA — making it one of a small group of peptides known to originate from the mitochondrial genome rather than the nuclear genome. First identified in 2015, it has since become a significant area of interest in metabolic and ageing research (Lee et al., 2015).
Mechanism of Action
- Under stress or exercise conditions, MOTS-c moves from the mitochondria into the cell nucleus, where it helps regulate genes involved in energy balance and stress adaptation (Bhatt et al., 2022)
- Its primary signalling pathway involves activating AMPK — a key regulator of how cells produce and use energy — which in turn influences glucose uptake, fat metabolism, and insulin sensitivity (Lee et al., 2015)
- Research shows MOTS-c levels naturally decline with age, with circulating levels in older subjects measured approximately 21% lower than those in younger subjects (Bhatt et al., 2022)
Key Research Findings
- Preclinical studies show MOTS-c treatment prevented both age-related and high-fat-diet-induced insulin resistance in mouse models (Lee et al., 2015)
- Kim et al. (2016) characterise it as a novel mitochondrial signalling mechanism with implications for research into obesity, diabetes, exercise physiology, and longevity
- Research also points to potential roles in reducing inflammation and supporting brain function, though these areas remain under active investigation (Zhai et al., 2023)
For research use only. Not intended for use in humans or animals.
References
Bhatt, M. P., Kim, S. J., & Cohen, P. (2022). https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9570330/
Kim, S. J., Xiao, J., Wan, J., Cohen, P., & Yen, K. (2016). https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27216708/
Lee, C., Zeng, J., Drew, B. G., Sallam, T., Martin-Montalvo, A., Wan, J., Kim, S. J., Mehta, H., Hevener, A. L., de Cabo, R., & Cohen, P. (2015). https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25738459/
Zhai, D., Ye, Z., Jiang, Y., Xu, C., Rong, Y., Yang, X., Zhao, Y., & Chen, J. (2023). https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36670507/











