What makes MOTS-c unusual?

It is encoded by mitochondrial DNA rather than nuclear DNA. Mitochondria carry their own small genome, and MOTS-c is one of a handful of peptides identified as originating there.

Is there human evidence?

Very little. The published work is predominantly mouse studies and cell culture, with some observational human data on naturally occurring levels rather than administration.

MetabolicAnimal studies only

MOTS-c

Also searched as: Mitochondrial ORF of the 12S rRNA type-c

MOTS-c is a peptide encoded not by the cell nucleus but by mitochondrial DNA, which makes it unusual and is why it attracts research interest. It was identified in 2015. It is described in the literature as a mitochondrial-derived peptide involved in metabolic signalling.

What the research has looked at

Insulin sensitivity in mouse models
Exercise capacity in aged mice
AMPK pathway activation in cell studies
Metabolic markers in early observational human work

This is a description of what has been studied, not a claim about what it does. Evidence level: animal studies only.

Legal position in the UK

Not a licensed medicine in the UKNot licensed as a medicine in the UK. Not approved for human use.

Handling and storage

Lyophilised powder, reconstituted with bacteriostatic water, refrigerated once mixed.

Vial sizes: Commonly 5mg or 10mg per vial. Where a manufacturer supplies handling instructions, those take precedence over anything general.

Questions

What makes MOTS-c unusual?: It is encoded by mitochondrial DNA rather than nuclear DNA. Mitochondria carry their own small genome, and MOTS-c is one of a handful of peptides identified as originating there.
Is there human evidence?: Very little. The published work is predominantly mouse studies and cell culture, with some observational human data on naturally occurring levels rather than administration.