Healing, hormones & brain
MOTS-c
A peptide encoded in mitochondrial DNA, studied for metabolism in mice.
What it is
A 16-amino-acid peptide encoded by mitochondrial DNA, discovered in 2015.
How it's thought to work
In animals it acts like an exercise signal, improving how muscles use glucose and boosting insulin sensitivity.
What the evidence shows
In mice it prevented diet-induced obesity and insulin resistance and improved physical capacity. Human research so far measures natural MOTS-c levels; there are no completed efficacy trials.
Regulatory status
Not approved for any use.
Safety notes
Human safety data are lacking.
Key sources
- Lee C, et al. The mitochondrial-derived peptide MOTS-c promotes metabolic homeostasis and reduces obesity and insulin resistance. Cell Metab. 2015. Find on PubMed
Educational summary only, not medical advice. Gtides does not sell or link to sellers of MOTS-c or any other product. Products sold as “research peptides” are not approved medicines, and their contents, purity and sterility are not verified.