Research effects
MOTS-c is a 16-amino-acid peptide encoded by a short open reading frame of the mitochondrial 12S rRNA gene, which translocates to the nucleus upon stress or exercise stimulation to regulate gene transcription. Its core mechanism involves modulating energy metabolism, insulin sensitivity, and inflammatory responses primarily via the Folate-AICAR-AMPK pathway. Preclinically, MOTS-c attenuates myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury and hypoxia/reoxygenation-induced cardiomyocyte damage by upregulating PGC-1α-mediated mitochondrial biogenesis. A Phase 2a randomized double-blind trial is currently evaluating its efficacy in improving insulin sensitivity in adults with prediabetes and overweight/obesity. Importantly, MOTS-c is not FDA-approved for any clinical indication; commercially available products pose quality and safety risks, warranting caution.




