MOTS-c

MOTS-c (mitochondrial-derived peptide)

16-amino-acid mitochondrial peptide · metabolic regulator

FDA Status

Not FDA-approved · Investigational

Class

Mitochondrial-encoded peptide · novel class

Sequence

MRWQEMGYIFYPRKLR

Half-life

~24 hours

Mechanism of action

• AMPK activation in skeletal muscle
• Improves insulin sensitivity in metabolic tissue
• Modulates folate cycle and methionine metabolism
• Mitochondrial biogenesis support

Research areas

• Insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes
• Age-related metabolic decline
• Exercise capacity and athletic performance
• Mitochondrial dysfunction syndromes

Evidence and clinical data

Discovered in 2015. Strong preclinical evidence in obesity and aging models. Phase I human trials underway. Endogenous human peptide gives it interesting safety profile.

Safety profile

As an endogenous human peptide (decreases with age), pharmacological supplementation has theoretical safety advantages. Limited human data.