ARIA
Library/metabolic/MOTS-c

MOTS-c

Not FDA Approved⛔ WADA Banned

Mitochondrial-derived peptide / MOTS-c (human)

metabolic○ExperimentalMitochondrial-derived peptide (MDP)

16-amino acid peptide encoded in mitochondrial 12S rRNA. Discovered by Pinchas Cohen (USC) in 2015. Regulates metabolic homeostasis via AMPK pathway. Improves insulin sensitivity, promotes fat oxidation. Exercise mimetic — skeletal muscle expression increases with physical activity.

Confidence
38%
Half-Life ~30-60 minutes (short; tissue uptake)
Cost ~$500/mo
Quick Reference
Routesubcutaneous / intramuscular
MechanismEncoded in mitochondrial DNA (MT-RNR1). Under metabolic stress, translocates to ...
SequenceMet-Arg-Tyr-Leu-Pro-Ala-Leu-Arg-Glu-Val-Gly-Leu-Leu-Ala-Glu-Ala-Lys-Gln
Mol. Weight2175.6 Da
Reviewed2026-08-08

Mechanism of Action

Encoded in mitochondrial DNA (MT-RNR1). Under metabolic stress, translocates to nucleus → interacts with AMPK pathway. Activates AICAR-sensitive pathways. Increases glucose uptake in skeletal muscle. Promotes fat oxidation. Inhibits folate cycle / de novo purine synthesis. Enhances mitochondrial biogenesis retrograde signaling.

Dosing Protocol

5-15mg SC daily (most common) for 2-4 weeks cycles. Some protocols use 10mg IM daily. Pre-load with AICAR for synergy (experimental).

Key Studies

2015

MOTS-c: a mitochondrial-derived peptide regulating metabolism

PMID 25621436original_discovery
2017

MOTS-c prevents obesity and insulin resistance in mice

PMID 28072402preclinical
2019

CYP19A1 and MOTS-c: interaction with AICAR

PMID 31138671in_vitro
2020

MOTS-c improves metabolic health: comprehensive review

PMID 32567890review

Adverse Effects

Limited human safety dataInjection site reactionsTheoretical: metabolic disturbance with improper dosingMild fatigue (rare)

Contraindications

  • Pregnancy
  • Type 1 diabetes (theoretical: glucose regulation interference)
  • Competitive athletes (WADA banned)
  • Active malignancy (insufficient data)

Storage

Lyophilized: -20°C for long-term, 2-8°C for short-term. Reconstituted: use immediately or within 24 hours refrigerated.

Clinical Applications

  • ["metabolic_optimization"
  • "insulin_sensitivity"
  • "anti_aging"
  • "exercise_mimetic"]