MOTS-c 40 mg – Product Description

The Mitochondrial-Encoded Peptide for Metabolic and Cellular Health Research

MOTS-c 40mg: MOTS-c (Mitochondrial Open Reading Frame of the Twelve S rRNA-c) is a 16-amino acid peptide encoded by the mitochondrial genome, distinguishing it from the vast majority of proteins encoded by nuclear DNA . Discovered relatively recently, MOTS-c functions as a mitochondrial-derived signaling peptide that appears to act as a bridge between mitochondrial health and systemic metabolic regulation . It has captured significant research interest for its role in metabolic homeostasis, insulin sensitivity, exercise performance, and potential longevity applications .

Table of Contents

1. What is MOTS-c?

2. Mechanism of Action

3. Key Research Findings

4. Research Applications

5. Product Specifications

6. Dosing and Administration

7. Safety Profile

8. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

9. References

What is MOTS-c?

MOTS-c is a synthetic peptide with a 16-amino acid sequence (MRWQEMGYIFYPRKLR) and a molecular weight of 2174.60 Da, typically supplied in acetate salt form . It is among a new class of mitochondrial-derived peptides that appear to decline with age, correlating with increased susceptibility to metabolic syndrome and sarcopenia (age-related muscle loss) .

MOTS-c has been described as an “exercise-mimetic” because it can improve glucose uptake in skeletal muscle and enhance insulin sensitivity without requiring insulin .

Mechanism of Action

MOTS-c modulates several key pathways crucial for cellular energy balance and stress resilience :

Key Research Findings

Metabolic Health and Insulin Sensitivity

MOTS-c reduces insulin resistance, prevents obesity, and improves muscle function through multiple signaling pathways including GLUT4 translocation, ERK pathway activation, and STAT3 inhibition . Observational studies have shown that circulating MOTS-c levels decline with age, associated with increased risk of type 2 diabetes and frailty .

Exercise Performance and Muscle Health

In mouse studies, acute MOTS-c treatment significantly enhanced physical capacity in old mice, with treated animals demonstrating markedly improved treadmill running distance and time compared to controls (P = 0.000002) . In physically active human volunteers, higher serum MOTS-c concentrations positively correlated with greater muscle mass, force, and power generated during jumping exercises .

Neuroprotection

MOTS-c has demonstrated notable antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory effects . In traumatic brain injury models, peripheral administration of MOTS-c reduced inflammatory responses, molecular damage, and cell death while improving memory, learning, and motor function .

Age-Related Macular Degeneration Research

In retinal pigment epithelial cells, MOTS-c showed dose-dependent effects on apoptosis, inflammation, and mitochondrial biogenesis. Lower doses (500 nM) demonstrated more significant impacts than higher concentrations (5 µM) .

Pain Research

MOTS-c treatment attenuated mechanical pain hypersensitivity in diabetic neuropathy models, with dose- and time-dependent antinociceptive effects observed across multiple administration routes .

Human Studies

• Breast Cancer Survivors: A 16-week exercise intervention significantly increased MOTS-c levels in non-Hispanic White participants, associated with reductions in fat mass, body weight, and improved metabolic profiles .

• Muscle Strength: In physically active volunteers, higher MOTS-c levels correlated positively with muscle force and power, but not with maximal oxygen uptake .

Research Applications

Product Specifications

Dosing and Administration

Storage Guidelines — Lyophilized powder should be stored at -20°C. Reconstituted peptide should be refrigerated and used promptly .

Safety Profile

MOTS-c is generally well-tolerated in research settings, but human data remain limited .

Key Considerations

• Short Human Studies: Human studies have evaluated MOTS-c for brief periods only; long-term safety and efficacy data are lacking .

• Dose-Dependent Effects: In retinal pigment epithelial cell research, lower doses (500 nM) demonstrated more significant impacts than higher concentrations (5 µM), suggesting potential biphasic response patterns .

• Individual Variability: Differences in mitochondrial genetics, comorbid conditions, and age may influence individual responses .

Contraindications and Precautions

• Not FDA-Approved: MOTS-c is not FDA-approved for human therapeutic use. All clinical use is investigational .

• Formulation Challenges: As a short peptide, effective non-invasive or oral delivery remains a significant challenge .

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is MOTS-c used for in research?

MOTS-c is studied primarily for metabolic health (insulin sensitivity, glucose regulation), aging and longevity (muscle preservation, healthspan), exercise performance (endurance, muscle function), and neuroprotection (cognitive health, brain injury) .

2. How does MOTS-c work?

It works primarily by activating the AMPK pathway, which promotes glucose uptake, fatty acid oxidation, and mitochondrial biogenesis . It also modulates insulin signaling and helps cells adapt to metabolic stress .

3. Does MOTS-c decline with age?

Yes. Observational studies show that circulating MOTS-c levels decline with age, which is associated with increased risk of age-related diseases such as type 2 diabetes and frailty .

4. Is MOTS-c an “exercise mimetic”?

MOTS-c has been described as an “exercise-mimetic” because it can improve glucose uptake in skeletal muscle and enhance insulin sensitivity without requiring insulin . It induces adaptations similar to those observed with physical activity.

5. How is MOTS-c stored and reconstituted?

Lyophilized MOTS-c should be stored at -20°C. It can be dissolved in 100% H₂O . Bacteriostatic water is commonly used for reconstitution in research protocols .

6. What is the purity of research-grade MOTS-c?

Research-grade MOTS-c typically has purity >95% by HPLC, with many batches exceeding 99% purity .

7. Are there human studies on MOTS-c?

Yes, though limited. Studies have examined MOTS-c levels in breast cancer survivors following exercise intervention and correlated serum MOTS-c with muscle strength in physically active individuals . However, large-scale human trials remain limited .

8. Is MOTS-c FDA-approved for human use?

No. MOTS-c is a research peptide and is not FDA-approved for human therapeutic use. It is strictly intended for laboratory research .

References

1. XPMutations. MOTS-C Research Peptide – Product Information 

2. Hum Cell. Exploring the therapeutic potential of MOTS-c in age-related macular degeneration. 2025;38(2):57 

3. NIH/PMC. MOTS-c treatment attenuates STZ-induced mechanical pain hypersensitivity – Figure 2 

4. NIH/PMC. Metabolites. MOTS-c Physiological Functions – Figure 1. 2023 

5. NovoPro. MOTS-c Peptide Certificate of Analysis – Cat.# 319017 

6. AMDAlliance. MOTS-c: Mitochondrial Peptide Therapy for Muscle and Cellular Health. 2026 

7. Li F, et al. Neuroprotective Mechanism of MOTS-c in TBI Mice. Drug Des Devel Ther. 2024 

8. Kaiser Medical Management. MOTS-C 40mg – Product Information. 2026 

9. Sara Szal MD. The Scientific Evidence of Peptide Therapy: MOTS-c. 2025 

10. NIH/PMC. Acute MOTS-c treatment enhances physical capacity in old mice – Figure 3