MOTS-c: the mitochondrial peptide explained

MOTS-c stands out because it is encoded in mitochondrial DNA, not in the DNA of the cell nucleus. This guide covers what it is, what researchers have studied, and how strong that evidence is.

What is MOTS-c?

MOTS-c (mitochondrial open reading frame of the 12S rRNA type-c) is a 16 amino acid peptide (sequence MRWQEMGYIFYPRKLR). It was described in 2015 by researchers at the University of Southern California. It belongs to a small group of mitochondrial-derived peptides: short peptides encoded in the mitochondrial genome that act as signals between mitochondria and the rest of the cell.

What has MOTS-c been studied for?

• Glucose and fat metabolism: the first studies in cells and mice looked at how MOTS-c affects glucose uptake and insulin sensitivity, largely through the AMPK energy-sensing pathway.
• Signalling to the nucleus: under metabolic stress, MOTS-c has been shown to move into the cell nucleus and influence the expression of nuclear genes, a two-way conversation between mitochondria and nucleus.
• Exercise and ageing research: later work studied MOTS-c levels during exercise and its relationship to physical capacity in ageing mice.

How strong is the evidence?

Almost all published MOTS-c research comes from cell culture and animal models. Human data is limited to observational measurements of circulating MOTS-c levels; there are no completed clinical trials establishing any use in people. MOTS-c is not approved as a medicine by SAHPRA or any other major regulator.

MOTS-c at Meytrix

Meytrix supplies MOTS-c as a 40mg research pen from Cape Town, with delivery across South Africa. It is listed under metabolic research alongside Retatrutide. See also our metabolic peptide research overview.

References

• Lee C, et al. The mitochondrial-derived peptide MOTS-c promotes metabolic homeostasis and reduces obesity and insulin resistance. Cell Metab. 2015;21(3):443-454.
• Kim KH, et al. The mitochondrial-encoded peptide MOTS-c translocates to the nucleus to regulate nuclear gene expression in response to metabolic stress. Cell Metab. 2018;28(3):516-524.
• Reynolds JC, et al. MOTS-c is an exercise-induced mitochondrial-encoded regulator of age-dependent physical decline and muscle homeostasis. Nat Commun. 2021;12:470.

Frequently asked questions

What is MOTS-c?

MOTS-c is a 16 amino acid peptide encoded in mitochondrial DNA. It is studied as a signal between the mitochondria and the rest of the cell, particularly in glucose and energy metabolism research.

What does MOTS-c stand for?

Mitochondrial open reading frame of the 12S rRNA type-c, which describes where in the mitochondrial genome it is encoded.

Is MOTS-c approved for human use?

No. Research on MOTS-c is almost entirely preclinical and it is not an approved medicine. Meytrix supplies it for laboratory research use only.

Where can I buy MOTS-c in South Africa?

Meytrix supplies MOTS-c 40mg research pens from Cape Town with delivery across South Africa, for laboratory research use only.

All Meytrix products are supplied for laboratory research use only and are not for human consumption.