MOTS-c

MOTS-c (Mitochondrial Open Reading Frame of the 12S rRNA-c) is a 16-amino-acid peptide encoded by the mitochondrial genome itself — a remarkable departure from the canonical nuclear origin of most signaling peptides. Discovered in the early 2010s, it has emerged as one of the most actively studied mitochondrial-derived peptides (MDPs) in metabolic and longevity research.

Mechanistically, MOTS-c is understood to act as a metabolic signaling molecule operating across both mitochondrial and nuclear compartments. Its principal documented effects include activation of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) — the master cellular energy sensor — enhancement of glucose uptake and insulin sensitivity in skeletal muscle, regulation of fatty acid oxidation, and modulation of the folate-methionine-purine biosynthesis pathway. These convergent mechanisms position it at the intersection of mitochondrial bioenergetics and systemic metabolic control.

Circulating MOTS-c levels decline progressively with age, paralleling the broader phenomenon of mitochondrial dysfunction in aging biology. Preclinical research has examined its administration in models of insulin resistance, age-related metabolic decline, and physical performance — with documented effects on glucose homeostasis, exercise capacity, and metabolic flexibility. ROEHN supplies MOTS-c at 99% HPLC-verified purity as a lyophilized powder, supporting research protocols in metabolic biology, mitochondrial signaling, and translational longevity science.