Longevity
MOTS-c
Metabolic
16
Amino acids
Molecular weight
Peptide
Type
MOTS-c is a mitochondrial-derived peptide that operates as a mitohormone through the Folate-AICAR-AMPK pathway. Under metabolic stress, it translocates to the nucleus to bind stress-response transcription factors (NRF2, ATF1/ATF7), regulating genes involved in metabolism and cellular adaptation.
Top researched benefits
Overview of MOTS-c
Inhibits the folate cycle leading to AMPK activation. Under metabolic stress, translocates to nucleus to bind stress-response transcription factors, regulating genes involved in metabolism, insulin sensitivity, and cellular adaptation.
Metabolic
- Improves insulin sensitivity by ~30% in animal studies through AMPK activation.
- Restores metabolic function via insulin receptor sensitization.
- Promotes fatty acid oxidation despite identical caloric intake.
Antiaging
- Reverses age-dependent physical decline in animal models.
- Enhances mitochondrial function via PGC-1α activation.
- 6.4% median lifespan extension observed in mice studies.
Exercise Performance
- 12-15% improvement in running performance from single dose in studies.
- Exercise induced 11.9-fold increase in skeletal muscle MOTS-c.
- Supports muscle recovery and adaptation to exercise.
Storage
Refrigerate reconstituted solution at 2-8°C, use within 14 days
Frequency
Daily for metabolic support, or 3x weekly for anti-aging
Typical Dose
Start 5mg daily, increase to 10-15mg based on goals
Cycle Duration
4-12 weeks depending on goals
Chemical Makeup
Key benefits
Enhanced insulin sensitivity (~30% improvement)
Improved glucose metabolism and tolerance
AMPK pathway activation
Mitochondrial function optimization
Exercise performance enhancement (12-15% improvement)
Potential lifespan extension (6.4% median increase in mice)
Community interest
This peptide is still gaining traction in the community.
Mitochondrial-Derived Peptide | Metabolic Regulator
This overview is informational and based on aggregated descriptions from studies and user reports.
Was it helpful?YesMOTS-c Molecular Information
View the scientifc details of MOTS-c.
16
Amino Acids
MOTS-c
Arg
Arg
Position 16
Met
Met
Position 1
Arg
Arg
Position 2
Trp
Trp
Position 3
Gln
Gln
Position 4
Glu
Glu
Position 5
Met
Met
Position 6
Gly
Gly
Position 7
Tyr
Tyr
Position 8
Ile
Ile
Position 9
Phe
Phe
Position 10
Tyr
Tyr
Position 11
Pro
Pro
Position 12
Arg
Arg
Position 13
Lys
Lys
Position 14
Leu
Leu
Position 15
Molecular Weight
2174.6DaChain Length
16Amino AcidsType
PeptideMOTS-c Protocols
Subcutaneous injection is the primary route. Optimal administration is morning before exercise. AMPK activation occurs within 30 minutes.
| Goal | Dosage | Frequency | Route |
|---|---|---|---|
| Metabolic health | 5 | 1 week range | SubQ |
| Anti-aging protocol | 15 | 3 week range | SubQ |
| Exercise performance | 10 | — | SubQ |
| Conservative start | 5 | 1 week range | SubQ |
Reconstitution Instructions
Materials needed:
Steps to reconstitute
- Allow vial to reach room temperature (15-20 minutes)
- Calculate required bacteriostatic water volume
- Draw BAC water into insulin syringe
- Inject slowly down vial side (not directly onto powder)
- Gently swirl until dissolved (never shake vigorously)
- Store at 2-8°C; use within 14 days
MOTS-c Cycle
The MOTS-c Cycle section explains how long a typical cycle lasts and what to expect during each phase. Over time, your body can become less responsive with continuous use.
Taking breaks between cycles may help maintain effectiveness and support better overall results.
- Week 1-2
- AMPK pathway activation; initial glucose tolerance improvements
- Week 2-4
- Enhanced exercise capacity; improved insulin sensitivity
- Week 4-8
- Sustained metabolic benefits; potential body composition changes
- Week 8-12
- Maximum mitochondrial function enhancement; metabolic flexibility
Dosing tools
MOTS-c Peptide Dosage Calculator
Calculate peptide doses with our visual syringe guide.
0.3mL / 30 units
5 units
0.050 mL
1 mL
2 mL
3 mL
5 mL
Custom
Conversion: 1,000 mcg = 1 mg
Injection Results
Based on your vial and dilution inputs.
Safe concentration range
MOTS-c
SINGLE COMPOUNDVolume per injection
0.05
mL
Concentration
10.00
mg/mL
Doses per vial
20
doses
Total injections per vial
20 injections
How it works
Based on a 10 mg MOTS-c vial diluted with 1 mL of bacteriostatic water, each 500 mcg injection equals 0.05 mL.
Research Purposes Only
These calculators are provided for educational and research purposes only. Always verify calculations and consult with qualified professionals. The information provided is not medical advice. Peptides should only be used in accordance with applicable laws and regulations.
Reference Guide
Dosing Cycle
- Peptide
- MOTS-c
- Dosing
- Start 5mg daily, increase to 10-15mg based on goals
- Dosing Frequency
- Daily for metabolic support, or 3x weekly for anti-aging
- Cycle Duration
- 4-12 weeks depending on goals
- Storage
- Refrigerate reconstituted solution at 2-8°C, use within 14 days
Note: Triple agonist; microdose for fewer side effects
Reconstitution Tips
- Use bacteriostatic water (BAC) — contains 0.9% benzyl alcohol for preservation
- Inject water slowly — aim down the vial wall, not directly onto powder
- Never shake — gently swirl or roll the vial until dissolved
- Store properly — refrigerate at 2-8°C after reconstitution
- Use within 28 days — most reconstituted peptides remain stable for about 4 weeks
- Keep sterile — always clean vial tops with alcohol before drawing
Side effects
Contraindications
Pregnancy or breastfeeding
WADA prohibited substance (banned for athletic competition)
Limited long-term human safety data
Stop signs
Severe allergic reactions or anaphylaxis
Recurrent hypoglycemia (<50 mg/dL)
Persistent severe injection site reactions
Unexplained weight loss >10% of baseline
Bad signs
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Frequently asked questions
What benefits can peptides offer in research?
Peptides can support cellular repair, immune function, metabolic health, and tissue regeneration. Research suggests they may help with recovery, sleep quality, skin health, and cognitive function, depending on the specific peptide and its mechanism of action.
What are some exciting applications of peptides in modern science?
Current research explores peptides for longevity, muscle recovery, wound healing, metabolic disorders, and neuroprotection. Scientists are also investigating peptide-based drug delivery and targeted therapies that could offer more precise treatment options.
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Peptides work by binding to receptors on cells and triggering specific biological responses. Depending on the peptide, they may promote growth hormone release, support collagen production, modulate inflammation, or influence neurotransmitter activity—each with different implications for health and wellness.
Where can I find the latest studies on peptide applications?
Peer-reviewed journals such as Nature, Science, and specialized publications like Peptides and the Journal of Peptide Science publish ongoing research. PubMed and Google Scholar are useful for searching studies by peptide name or condition.
Are there any guidelines for using peptides in research?
Research use of peptides typically follows institutional review board (IRB) protocols and regulatory guidelines. Dosage, administration route, and safety monitoring should align with published literature and applicable regulations in your jurisdiction.
What is the difference between peptides and proteins?
Peptides are short chains of amino acids (typically under 50), while proteins are longer chains that fold into complex structures. Peptides are often more stable, easier to synthesize, and can cross cell membranes more readily, making them attractive for therapeutic applications.
How should peptides be stored?
Most peptides require refrigeration (2–8°C) and protection from light. Reconstituted peptides often have shorter stability and may need to be used within days or weeks. Always follow the manufacturer's or research protocol's storage instructions.
Can peptides be taken orally?
Some peptides are bioavailable orally, but many are broken down by digestive enzymes before reaching the bloodstream. Subcutaneous injection, nasal administration, or other routes are often used in research to improve bioavailability. The optimal route depends on the specific peptide.
MOTS-cResearch References
MOTS-c is a well studied compound
MOTS-c
MOTS-c is a well studied compound
Obesity and Insulin Sensitivity Study - Lee et al.
Prevented obesity, improved insulin sensitivity by ~30% in high-fat diet mice.
n.d.
Physical Performance Across Age Groups - Reynolds et al.
Enhanced physical performance across age groups; exercise induced 11.9-fold increase in skeletal muscle MOTS-c.
n.d.
Nuclear Translocation Study - Kim et al.
Nuclear translocation within 30 minutes under metabolic stress.
n.d.
Running Performance Study - Hyatt et al.
Single dose improved running time 12%, distance 15%.
n.d.
Gestational Diabetes Study - Yin et al.
Alleviated hyperglycemia in gestational diabetes model.
n.d.