This page is provided for research and educational purposes only and does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, treatment recommendations, dosing instructions, or instructions for human use. Research findings should be interpreted within the population, model, formulation, route, outcomes, and study design reported by each cited source.
MOTS-C (20 mg Vial)
MOTS-c is a 16–amino-acid mitochondrial-derived peptide (MDP) that acts as a metabolic regulator, primarily through AMPK activation[1][2]. Preclinical studies show it enhances insulin sensitivity, promotes fat oxidation, improves exercise capacity, and counters age-related metabolic decline[1][4]. No clinical trials have been completed in humans to date[8].
Quick Reference
What is MOTS-C?
Research overview based on the cited scientific literature.
• Goal: Support metabolic homeostasis, insulin sensitivity, and age-related physical performance based on preclinical evidence[1][2][4].
• Storage: Lyophilized frozen at −20 °C (−4 °F); reconstituted refrigerated at 2–8 °C (35.6–46.4 °F); avoid repeated freeze–thaw.
Storage Instructions
Proper storage preserves peptide quality and potency.
• Lyophilized: Store at −20 °C (−4 °F) or below in dry, dark conditions; include desiccant if available to minimize moisture exposure.
• Reconstituted: Refrigerate at 2–8 °C (35.6–46.4 °F); peptide degrades rapidly at room temperature (~25% activity loss after 24 hours at 4 °C)[7]. Use within 7 days for best potency.
• Aliquoting: Prepare single-use aliquots and freeze at −20 °C (−4 °F) if needed; avoid freeze–thaw cycles.
• Allow vials to reach room temperature before opening to reduce condensation uptake.
How is MOTS-C studied?
MOTS-c functions as a metabolic “stress signal” that helps optimize energy usage during nutrient stress or exercise[2]. Its primary mechanism is AMPK activation through inhibition of the folate cycle, causing accumulation of AICAR (an AMP analog)[1][2]. Activated AMPK shifts cells into an energy-efficient mode – enhancing glucose uptake, fatty-acid oxidation, and mitochondrial respiration while downregulating fat storage and gluconeogenesis[2].
MOTS-c can also translocate to the cell nucleus under stress conditions and upregulate antioxidant and stress-response genes[2]. This retrograde signaling from mitochondria to nucleus increases expression of cytoprotective enzymes, helping cells cope with oxidative stress. Research indicates MOTS-c may also modulate mTOR and inflammatory pathways, contributing to lifespan and healthspan effects[10]. Its actions resemble those of exercise and metformin at a cellular level[2], making it of great interest for metabolic disorders, obesity, and aging research.
What does the research report about MOTS-C?
Observations from preclinical literature (no human clinical trials completed to date)[8]:
• Metabolic Health: Improves insulin sensitivity and glucose metabolism in mouse models; prevents diet-induced insulin resistance[1][7].
• Weight & Fat Reduction: Prevents obesity and reduces visceral fat in obese mice through increased energy expenditure and fat oxidation[1][7].
• Post-Menopausal Metabolism: Mitigates metabolic decline in ovariectomized mice; prevents menopause-related fat gain and insulin resistance[3].
• Physical Performance: Enhances exercise capacity and counters age-related frailty; old mice ran 2× longer on treadmill tests[4][7].
• Organ Protection: Reduces liver fat accumulation, improves cardiac function, and may support cognitive function in preliminary studies[2][7].
• Bone & Immunity: Promotes osteoblast activity, inhibits osteoclast formation; modulates immune aging and protects pancreatic islet cells in autoimmune diabetes models[5][10].
• Safety: No adverse effects reported in preclinical studies; human tolerability unknown. A modified analog (CB4211) showed good tolerability in a Phase 1 trial[7].
Note: These benefits have been demonstrated only in controlled research settings (mice or cells). Translation to humans requires clinical studies.
Important Note
This content is provided for scientific research and educational purposes only. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, treatment, dosing, or administration instructions. The compounds discussed may be investigational and are not presented as approved for human use.
What are the limitations of the research on MOTS-C?
Evidence should be interpreted within the population, experimental model, formulation, route, outcome measures, and study design used in each cited source. Preclinical or early-stage findings do not establish clinical efficacy, safety, or approved human use. Where human evidence is available, results should not be generalized beyond the populations and conditions actually studied.
