MOTS-c

MOTS-c is a 16-amino-acid mitochondrial-derived peptide encoded within the 12S rRNA region of mitochondrial DNA. It was discovered in 2015 by Pinchas Cohen's lab at USC and is one of the most-studied members of the mitochondrial-derived peptide family alongside Humanin. It is studied for metabolic health, exercise performance, insulin sensitivity, and longevity, and is sold strictly for laboratory research.

MOTS-c is a tiny peptide your own mitochondria make and release into your bloodstream as a metabolic message. It tells tissues to burn fuel efficiently, improve insulin sensitivity, and adapt to exercise. Levels drop with age. In rodent studies, MOTS-c dramatically extended exercise capacity and improved metabolic markers — earning it nicknames like 'the exercise peptide.'

MOTS-c activates AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), the same master energy sensor activated by exercise and by AICAR. It increases glucose uptake into muscle, improves insulin sensitivity, promotes fatty acid oxidation, and induces mitochondrial biogenesis. MOTS-c also moves into the cell nucleus under stress, where it regulates nuclear gene expression — a remarkable example of cross-organelle communication.

• •Type 2 diabetes and insulin sensitivity
• •Exercise capacity and endurance
• •Mitochondrial biogenesis
• •Longevity and centenarian studies
• •Cardiometabolic disease prevention
• •Mitochondrial unfolded protein response

MOTS-c is one of the most-discussed peptides in longevity and metabolic-health forums, often paired with NAD+, Humanin, SS-31, and 5-Amino-1MQ in mitochondrial stacks. Threads focus on its 'exercise mimetic' character, comparisons to AICAR, and reports of improved energy and insulin sensitivity.

“Cellular exercise in a vial.”

Most commonly combined with Humanin, SS-31, NAD+, and 5-Amino-1MQ in mitochondrial-focused stacks. Sometimes paired with AICAR for additive AMPK activation.

MOTS-c is a 16-amino-acid mitochondrial-derived peptide that activates AMPK and supports insulin sensitivity, exercise capacity, and metabolic health. It is one of the most-studied mitochondrial peptides in longevity research.