Skip to main content
PeptiDex Logo

PeptiDex

Peptide Research Index

Research-backed

⚠️ Educational only · Not medical advice · Consult a doctor · Most peptides are research-only / not FDA-approved for human use

Privacy & Terms
Home
Library
StartToolsSaved
Back to Library

⚠️ Educational only · Not medical advice · Consult a doctor · Most peptides are research-only / not FDA-approved for human use

MOTS-c

Also: Mitochondrial ORF of 12S rRNA Type-c

⚡Mitochondrial Peptide

How It Works

Regulates mitochondrial function and AMPK. Enhances glucose uptake and fatty acid oxidation, improves insulin sensitivity, and protects against age-related metabolic decline.

Primary Benefits

1Energy
2metabolism
3fat loss
4longevity

Key Studies

MOTS-c regulates metabolic homeostasis (Cell Metabolism)

Lee et al. (Cell Metabolism): Discovery paper showing MOTS-c is a mitochondrial-derived peptide that regulates insulin sensitivity and metabolic homeostasis via AMPK activation.

emerging

MOTS-c prevents age-related insulin resistance in mice

Lee et al.: MOTS-c treatment prevents both age-dependent and high-fat-diet-induced insulin resistance and diet-induced obesity in mouse models.

preclinical

MOTS-c improves skeletal muscle glucose metabolism

Study demonstrating MOTS-c specifically targets skeletal muscle glucose metabolism, providing molecular basis for metabolic benefits and exercise-mimetic properties.

preclinical

Circulating MOTS-c levels decline with age and obesity

Human observational study linking decreased circulating MOTS-c levels with aging, obesity, and type 2 diabetes suggesting therapeutic rationale for supplementation.

emerging

Safety Notes

Promising but limited human data. As an endogenous peptide, theoretical biocompatibility favorable.

Dosing Protocol

⚠️ For educational purposes only. Not medical advice. Consult a healthcare professional before using any peptide.

RouteSubQ
Dose Range5000-10000 mcg
Frequency3-5x/week
TimingMorning or pre-exercise
Cycle Length4-12 weeks
BAC Water2 ml / 5mg vial

Exercise-mimetic. Often taken pre-workout. Higher doses used in research.

Half-Life Visualization

⏱️ Half-Life: 4h

Plasma concentration over time
100%50%0%0t½ = 4h

Legal Status by Country

🇺🇸USA
Research Only
🇨🇦Canada
Research Only
🇬🇧UK
Unregulated
🇪🇺EU
Unregulated
🇦🇺Australia
Research Only

Last updated: 2026-01 · Laws change frequently. Verify current status in your jurisdiction.

Expected Timeline

Week 1

Improved insulin sensitivity; increased energy during exercise

Weeks 2-4

Enhanced exercise performance and endurance; reduced muscle fatigue

Month 2-3

Metabolic adaptations; improved body composition

Long-term

Mitochondrial health optimization; age-related metabolic protection

Side Effects & Incidence

Side EffectIncidenceSeverity

Injection site reaction

~5% of usersmild

Generally well-tolerated

Very limited human datamild

Incidence rates sourced from published clinical trial data where available; otherwise based on community research observations.

Found in 3 Stacks

Fat Loss Focus Stack

Maximum fat loss through multi-pathway metabolic optimization

RetatrutideSemaglutideAOD-9604MOTS-c

Longevity & Anti-Aging Stack

Target fundamental aging mechanisms: telomeres, mitochondria, metabolism, and cellular protection

EpitalonMOTS-cSS-31GHK-Cu

Metabolic & Insulin Sensitivity Stack

Improve metabolic health, insulin sensitivity, and cellular energy production

TirzepatideMOTS-cTesamorelinSS-31

Weekly Peptide Research

New studies · vendor alerts · protocol tips

No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. Research use only.