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Research peptide

MOTS-c

MOTS-c is a 16-amino-acid mitochondrial-derived peptide studied in metabolic stress and exercise-related experimental models.

By The Peptides Codex Editorial TeamReviewed July 10, 2026
Length
16 aa
Class
Research peptide
Function
Mitochondrial-derived peptide studied in metabolism models
Context
Research compound

Part of the emerging mitochondrial peptide research field.

Also known as: MOTS c · mitochondrial ORF peptide

Part of the Metabolic & GLP-1 peptides cluster

Overview

MOTS-c is a 16-amino-acid mitochondrial-derived peptide studied in metabolic stress and exercise-related experimental models.

Source & context

Biological / chemical source: Encoded by mitochondrial DNA (MT-RNR1 region)

Primary research or clinical context: Research compound

Mitochondrial peptides

Unlike most nuclear-encoded peptides, MOTS-c originates from a short open reading frame in mitochondrial DNA — a distinctive chapter in peptide biology.

FAQ about MOTS-c

What is MOTS-c?+

MOTS-c is a 16-amino-acid mitochondrial-derived peptide studied in metabolic stress and exercise-related experimental models.

Is MOTS-c an approved medicine?+

MOTS-c is discussed here as a research / educational topic. Research compound. This is not medical advice.

What is the typical length of MOTS-c?+

MOTS-c is commonly described as approximately 16 amino acids (Research peptide).

Related peptides

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BPC-157
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TB-500
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CJC-1295
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References & further reading

  1. 1.Wikipedia — MOTS-c
  2. 2.PubChem — compound summary for MOTS-c (CID 146675088)
  3. 3.Lee et al. (2015). The mitochondrial-derived peptide MOTS-c promotes metabolic homeostasis and reduces obesity and insulin resistance. Cell Metab
  4. 4.Kim et al. (2018). The Mitochondrial-Encoded Peptide MOTS-c Translocates to the Nucleus to Regulate Nuclear Gene Expression in Response to Metabolic Stress. Cell Metab
  5. 5.Reynolds et al. (2021). MOTS-c is an exercise-induced mitochondrial-encoded regulator of age-dependent physical decline and muscle homeostasis. Nat Commun
  6. 6.Kim et al. (2019). The mitochondrial-derived peptide MOTS-c is a regulator of plasma metabolites and enhances insulin sensitivity. Physiol Rep
  7. 7.Hyatt (2022). MOTS-c increases in skeletal muscle following long-term physical activity and improves acute exercise performance after a single dose. Physiol Rep
  8. 8.Feng et al. (2025). Endurance training enhances skeletal muscle mitochondrial respiration by promoting MOTS-c secretion. Free Radic Biol Med
  9. 9.Lee et al. (2016). MOTS-c: A novel mitochondrial-derived peptide regulating muscle and fat metabolism. Free Radic Biol Med
  10. 10.Lee (2019). Nuclear transcriptional regulation by mitochondrial-encoded MOTS-c. Mol Cell Oncol
  11. 11.Kim et al. (2021). Mitochondrial-derived peptides in aging and age-related diseases. Geroscience
  12. 12.Merry et al. (2020). Mitochondrial-derived peptides in energy metabolism. Am J Physiol Endocrinol Metab
  13. 13.Wan et al. (2023). Mitochondria-derived peptide MOTS-c: effects and mechanisms related to stress, metabolism and aging. J Transl Med
  14. 14.Mohtashami et al. (2022). MOTS-c, the Most Recent Mitochondrial Derived Peptide in Human Aging and Age-Related Diseases. Int J Mol Sci
  15. 15.Kong et al. (2023). Mitochondrial-Encoded Peptide MOTS-c, Diabetes, and Aging-Related Diseases. Diabetes Metab J
  16. 16.Miller et al. (2022). Mitochondria-derived peptides in aging and healthspan. J Clin Invest
Disclaimer: Educational content only. Not medical advice. Not instructions for human use. Research peptides and unapproved products may be restricted or illegal to market for human consumption in your jurisdiction. Consult qualified professionals and applicable law.
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