MOTS-c

Overview

MOTS-c is a “mitochondrial-derived peptide” — unlike most peptides, which are encoded by nuclear DNA, MOTS-c is encoded within the small, separate genome carried inside mitochondria, the energy-producing structures within cells.

Proposed Mechanism

Regulates AMPK signalling and nuclear gene expression in response to metabolic stress, positioning it as a mitochondrial-to-nuclear communication signal in metabolic and exercise physiology research.

Research Context

The core research framing is that MOTS-c acts as a communication signal from mitochondria to the cell nucleus, regulating gene expression in response to metabolic stress. This positions it within a relatively new area of research: mitochondrial-to-nuclear signalling and its role in metabolic regulation and exercise adaptation.

Evidence Status — Well-documented

Well-documented mechanistically; human outcome trials are still emerging.

The mitochondrial-signalling mechanism is well-documented at a cellular and molecular level. Human outcome trials — studies measuring real-world effects in people rather than cell or animal models — represent a newer and still-emerging part of the evidence base for this compound.

Research Use Only

This page is a scientific reference summarizing publicly available research literature. It contains no dosing, administration, or protocol guidance, and nothing here constitutes medical advice. BactoCore does not sell this or any peptide referenced in this index — the only product sold directly is bacteriostatic water. See the Safety section for who should not handle research compounds, and the Research Use Disclaimer for full terms.