What is MOTS-c?
MOTS-c is a 16-amino-acid peptide encoded by mitochondrial DNA — one of a small family of “mitochondrial-derived peptides.”
How does MOTS-c work?
Research indicates it can move to the cell nucleus under stress and influence genes involved in metabolism, partly through the AMPK energy-sensing pathway.
What are researchers studying?
- ●Exercise capacity and muscle metabolism in mice
- ●Cellular stress responses
- ●Age-related metabolic changes
Where does the evidence stand?
Not approved by the FDA. Human research is at an early stage.
Quick facts
- Research area
- Mitochondrial
- Sequence
MRWQEMGYIFYPRKLR- Also known as
- MOTSc
- Third-party lab results
- 6 published COAs →
- Tested vendors tracking it
- 2 vendors →
Recent peer-reviewed research
The most relevant MOTS-c studies from the last three years, via PubMed (U.S. National Library of Medicine).
- Mitochondrial-Derived Peptide MOTS-c Suppresses Ovarian Cancer Progression by Attenuating USP7-Mediated LARS1 DeubiquitinationAdvanced science (Weinheim, Baden-Wurttemberg, Germany) · 2024 Nov · PubMed ↗
- Safety and Efficacy of Approved and Unapproved Peptide Therapies for Musculoskeletal Injuries and Athletic PerformanceSports medicine (Auckland, N.Z.) · 2026 Aug · PubMed ↗
- MOTS-c attenuates lung ischemia-reperfusion injury via MYH9-Dependent nuclear translocation and transcriptional activation of antioxidant genesRedox biology · 2025 Jul · PubMed ↗
- MOTS-c improves intrinsic muscle mitochondrial bioenergetic health and efficiency in a PGC-1α/AMPK-dependent mannerFree radical biology & medicine · 2026 Mar 16 · PubMed ↗
- Novel function of MOTS-c in mitochondrial remodelling contributes to its antiviral role during HBV infectionGut · 2024 Jan 5 · PubMed ↗
Compare MOTS-c
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This guide summarizes published research for educational purposes only. It is not medical advice and does not describe how to use MOTS-c. Citations link to PubMed and are listed for reference — we haven't reviewed or endorsed their findings. Products referenced on The Peptide Audit are sold by third parties for laboratory research use only and are not for human consumption.