Longevity · Dec 9, 2024
Why MOTS-c Levels Drop With Age — And What Researchers Are Asking
Summary
Circulating MOTS-c levels decline meaningfully after middle age. The peptide is encoded inside mitochondrial DNA and acts as a metabolic regulator.
Why It Matters
If a peptide is a built-in metabolic regulator and its levels drop with age, replacement and supplementation research becomes an obvious question.
Key Findings
- Plasma MOTS-c is lower in older vs younger humans.
- Exercise transiently raises MOTS-c.
- Rodent administration improves insulin sensitivity and exercise capacity.