MOTS-c
Also Known As: Mitochondrial ORF of 12S rRNA type-c, MOTS c, MOTS-c peptide, Mitochondrial peptide MOTS-c, Mitokine MOTS-c, 12S rRNA-encoded peptide, Exercise mimetic peptide, Mitochondrial-derived peptide, Metabolic MOTS-c, MRFA16 peptide analog, mitochondrial peptide, exercise mimetic, MOTSc
MOTS-c is a research-grade Mitochondrial-derived peptide targeting AMPK activation studied in Weight Loss & Metabolism research. It is supplied strictly for in vitro laboratory research use only - not for human or animal consumption, and not FDA-approved.
Evidence Tier: Research Compound - No approved human use; sold for laboratory research only.
A mitochondrial exercise-mimetic peptide; banned in sport since 2024, mostly preclinical.
At A Glance
| Category | Weight Loss & Metabolism |
|---|---|
| Compound Class | Mitochondrial-derived peptide (MDP) encoded within 12S rRNA of mitochondrial genome |
| Molecular Target | AMPK activation; folate-methionine cycle; AICAR-independent AMPK signaling; nuclear translocation for gene expression regulation |
| Molecular Weight | 2174.6 Da |
| Amino Acid Sequence | MRWQEMGYIFYPRKLR |
| CAS Number | 1627580-64-6 |
| Half-Life | ~30 minutes |
| WADA Status | prohibited |
| Evidence Tier | Research Compound |
Mechanism Of Action
It acts directly on the mitochondria (the cell's engine) and activates the AMPK pathway, which shifts the body from storing fat to rapidly burning glucose and fatty acids for athletic endurance.
Studied For
- Metabolic homeostasis
- Insulin resistance / obesity
- Exercise-mimetic research
- AMPK activation
- Glucose metabolism
- Skeletal muscle uptake
- Longevity and aging
- Inflammation regulation
- Mitochondrial stress response
- Obesity research
- Type 2 diabetes models
- Menopause-related metabolic changes
- NAD metabolism
- Folate-methionine cycle
- Mitochondrial communication
- Physical endurance research
- Metabolic flexibility
- metabolic regulation
- energy boost
- AMPK activator
- weight loss
- insulin sensitivity
- exercise endurance
- mitochondrial function
Reported Research Findings
Mouse and in vitro studies show improved metabolic homeostasis and reduced obesity and insulin resistance. Controlled human therapeutic trials are lacking.
Safety And Handling Notes
No well-characterized human adverse-event profile; human safety is not established.
Not approved. Named on the WADA 2026 Prohibited List (S4.4.1, AMPK activators), prohibited at all times and non-Specified, which carries the highest sanction tier for a first violation. Evidence is predominantly preclinical. Research use only.
Regulatory Status
Not FDA-approved; research chemical. Named on the WADA 2026 Prohibited List under S4.4.1 as "mitochondrial open reading frame of the 12S rRNA-c (MOTS-c)", an AMPK activator; prohibited at all times and a non-Specified substance.
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This Reference Is Provided For In Vitro Laboratory Research Use Only. Not For Human Consumption. See The Full Research Disclaimer.