MOTS-c
Also known as: Mitochondrial ORF of the 12S rRNA type-c
A mitochondrial-derived peptide studied for metabolism, insulin sensitivity, and exercise capacity.
MOTS-c at a glance
| Name | MOTS-c |
|---|---|
| Also known as | Mitochondrial ORF of the 12S rRNA type-c |
| Category | Metabolic & mitochondrial |
| Type | Peptide |
| Sequence | 16-amino-acid peptide encoded within mitochondrial 12S rRNA |
| Typical dose | ~5–10 mg per week (often split) |
| Frequency | A few times weekly |
| Route | Subcutaneous injection |
| Half-life | Short in circulation; effects are downstream and metabolic. |
Overview
MOTS-c is one of a small family of “mitochondrial-derived peptides” encoded within mitochondrial DNA. Research interest centers on its role as a metabolic regulator — it appears to influence how cells use glucose and respond to exercise, which is why it is studied in the context of metabolic health and aging.
How it’s thought to work
- Activates the AMPK pathway, a master switch for cellular energy balance.
- Improves insulin sensitivity and glucose handling in animal studies.
- Modulates the metabolic response to exercise and stress.
Researched uses
- Metabolic health and insulin sensitivity
- Exercise capacity and endurance
- Healthy-aging research
Commonly cited protocol
| Typical dose | ~5–10 mg per week (often split) |
|---|---|
| Frequency | A few times weekly |
| Route | Subcutaneous injection |
| Notes | Often cycled in research settings. |
Reconstitution
Often a 10 mg vial. 10 mg with 2 mL water = 5 mg/mL, so a 2.5 mg starting dose = 0.5 mL (50 units on a U-100 syringe).
MOTS-c dosage calculator
The calculator below is pre-filled with MOTS-c’s commonly cited vial size and dose. Adjust the vial amount, bacteriostatic water, or dose to match your own vial — it will show the exact insulin-syringe units to draw, the concentration, and how many doses the vial holds.
Add 2 mL of bacteriostatic water to your 10 mg vial. That gives you about 4 doses of 2.5 mg. For each dose, draw 50 units into a 100-unit insulin syringe.
See the full MOTS-c dosing chart (units for every dose & water amount), or open the full peptide calculator →
Cautions
- Not approved for human use; research chemical.
- Human data are early and limited.
- May affect blood glucose.
MOTS-c FAQ
What is MOTS-c?
A mitochondrial-derived peptide studied for metabolism, insulin sensitivity, and exercise capacity.
How does MOTS-c work?
Activates the AMPK pathway, a master switch for cellular energy balance. Improves insulin sensitivity and glucose handling in animal studies. Modulates the metabolic response to exercise and stress.
What is MOTS-c used for?
Metabolic health and insulin sensitivity; Exercise capacity and endurance; Healthy-aging research.
What is a typical MOTS-c dose?
~5–10 mg per week (often split), A few times weekly, Subcutaneous injection. This is a commonly cited figure for context only, not medical advice.
How do you reconstitute MOTS-c?
Often a 10 mg vial. 10 mg with 2 mL water = 5 mg/mL, so a 2.5 mg starting dose = 0.5 mL (50 units on a U-100 syringe).
What is the half-life of MOTS-c?
Short in circulation; effects are downstream and metabolic.