What it is
MOTS-c is a 16-amino-acid peptide reported to be encoded within the mitochondrial 12S ribosomal RNA region. Its name refers to mitochondrial open reading frame of the 12S rRNA-c. The foundational 2015 paper explored mitochondria as a source of signalling peptides, not just as cellular energy machinery. Identifying an endogenous molecule does not establish that administering additional material is beneficial or safe.[7]
Research areas and evidence
The study connected MOTS-c with folate-cycle and purine-biosynthesis pathways and activation of AMPK, a regulator of cellular energy responses. In mice, the investigators reported effects on diet-induced obesity and age- or diet-related insulin resistance, with skeletal muscle highlighted as a likely target. These are mechanistic and animal intervention findings. They are not a randomized treatment study in humans and cannot substantiate claims that MOTS-c improves human athletic performance, reverses ageing, or treats metabolic disease.[7]
Safety and unknowns
The cited discovery paper does not establish a clinical safety profile for human administration or define a benefit-risk balance in patients. Mechanistic plausibility, naturally occurring peptide biology, and favourable outcomes in a mouse model are different questions from safety in people. For this curated entry, the important unknowns are translation to human outcomes, long-term effects, and whether any proposed clinical benefit survives controlled testing. No human-use protocol is inferred from the experimental work, and inclusion is not an endorsement of a commercial preparation.[7]
Sources
Read the original studies and reviews. These selected sources may not include newer research.
- Mechanistic and mouse intervention research[7] Lee et al. The mitochondrial-derived peptide MOTS-c promotes metabolic homeostasis and reduces obesity and insulin resistance. Cell Metabolism (2015).