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MOTS-C
About the Treatment
What Is MOTS-C?
MOTS-C is a naturally occurring peptide made inside the mitochondria, the parts of our cells responsible for producing energy. Unlike most peptides, MOTS-C comes from the mitochondrial genome itself and plays an important role in how the body manages energy and metabolism.
Researchers have found that MOTS-C helps the body respond to metabolic stress by improving how cells use glucose and fat for energy, especially in muscles and other high-energy tissues. Because of this, MOTS-C is studied in longevity and metabolic research for its potential to support healthy metabolism, maintain energy levels, and slow down physical decline linked to aging.
Key Benefits
MOTS-C Benefits
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Supports Insulin Sensitivity & Glucose Homeostasis
MOTS-C has been shown to activate the AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK signaling pathway), improving glucose uptake, glucose utilization, and insulin sensitivity in muscle cells and skeletal muscle.
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Enhances Fat Metabolism & Fatty Acid Oxidation
Supports fat oxidation and metabolic balance, particularly under conditions of metabolic stress, caloric restriction, or a high-fat diet.
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Promotes Mitochondrial Function & Biogenesis
Plays a role in mitochondrial biogenesis and protection against mitochondrial dysfunction and reactive oxygen species.
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Supports Muscle Homeostasis & Physical Performance
Associated with improved muscle homeostasis, endurance capacity, and physical performance in preclinical models, including mouse skeletal muscle studies.
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Addresses Age-Related Metabolic Decline
Studied for its potential to counter cellular senescence, aging cell dysfunction, and age-dependent metabolic decline.
Advanced diagnostics. Regenerative therapies. Personalised wellness plans.
Advanced diagnostics. Regenerative therapies. Personalised wellness plans.
FAQs
01
What exactly is MOTS-C?
MOTS-C is a mitochondrial-derived peptide encoded by the mitochondrial open reading frame (mitochondrial ORF) within mitochondrial DNA. It is an endogenous MOTS-C peptide that acts as a metabolic regulator rather than a hormone.
02
How does MOTS-C affect glucose metabolism?
MOTS-C enhances glucose metabolism by improving glucose uptake through glucose transporter activity, supporting glucose homeostasis, and activating AMPK signaling. These effects are especially relevant in skeletal muscle and muscle cells.
03
Can MOTS-C help with insulin resistance?
Preclinical research suggests that MOTS-C may help reduce insulin resistance, particularly in conditions linked to obesity, worsening insulin sensitivity, and problems with normal insulin release. It has also been studied in metabolic dysfunction linked to high-fat diet exposure.
04
How does MOTS-C work at the molecular level?
At the molecular mechanisms level, MOTS-C interacts with cellular metabolism pathways through AMPK activation, protein-protein interactions, and regulation of nuclear genes involved in energy production, fat metabolism, and inflammatory responses.
05
Does MOTS-C influence nuclear gene expression?
Yes. MOTS-C can translocate to the nucleus and help regulate nuclear gene expression, allowing mitochondria to directly communicate metabolic stress signals to nuclear genes involved in metabolic regulation.
06
Is MOTS-C linked to mitochondrial health?
Yes. MOTS-C supports mitochondrial and cellular health by improving mitochondrial function, limiting reactive oxygen species, and supporting mitochondrial biogenesis.
07
Has MOTS-C been studied in metabolic disease models?
Yes. Research includes mice fed high-fat diets, autoimmune diabetes models, pancreatic islet destruction, impaired insulin secretion, and ovariectomy-induced metabolic dysfunction. Studies also explore links to glucose tolerance and glycosylated hemoglobin levels.
08
Does MOTS-C affect fat metabolism?
MOTS-C supports fat metabolism by increasing fatty acid oxidation and improving adipose homeostasis, which may be relevant for metabolic balance and cardiovascular disease risk reduction.
09
Can MOTS-C support muscle and exercise adaptation?
Research suggests MOTS-C interacts synergistically with exercise intervention, improving muscle homeostasis, cellular energy production, and physical performance during metabolic stress.
10
Are MOTS-C levels affected by aging?
Yes. MOTS-c has been linked to the regulation of longevity pathways similar to those activated by caloric restriction.
11
Is MOTS-C approved for medical use?
MOTS-c is not approved by the FDA for human consumption and is classified as a research-use-only peptide. Furthermore, MOTS-c falls under WADA's Prohibited List and is banned in- and out-of-competition for athletes.