What is MOTS-c Peptide? Research Uses, Benefits, and Lab Insights
The MOTS-c peptide is a small protein studied in labs for its role in metabolism, aging, and energy. Researchers study the MOTS-c peptide to understand its role in energy use. It could help the body use energy more efficiently. This peptide comes from the mitochondria, which are the power plants of our cells.
MOTS-c is gaining attention in the scientific community. Researchers are exploring its potential to combat obesity and insulin resistance. They’re also studying its effects on age-related decline. These benefits are linked to its unique influence on mitochondria. This blog explores the function, benefits, and current research use of MOTS-c peptides.
Disclaimer: MOTS-c peptide is sold strictly for research use only. Not for human consumption.
What is MOTS-c Peptide?
MOTS-c is a 16-amino acid peptide. It comes from a gene in mitochondrial DNA, not nuclear DNA. The gene is located within the 12S ribosomal RNA region of mitochondrial DNA. This makes it special.
Researchers discovered MOTS-c in 2015. Since then, it has been studied in labs for how it affects energy, fat burning, and aging. The MOTS-c peptide helps cells respond to stress and changes in energy needs.
The peptide can move from the mitochondria to the cell nucleus. Once there, it helps regulate genes that support cell health. This action makes it useful in many research studies.
How MOTS-c Peptide Works
MOTS-c causes a protein called AMPK to become active in the body. This protein helps control how the body uses energy. Active AMPK signals the body to use fat and sugar as fuel. This helps improve how cells make and use energy.
MOTS-c also helps with gene expression. This means it can affect how cells behave under stress. In lab tests, MOTS-c moved from the mitochondria to the nucleus. There, it helped turn on genes that protect the body during hard times, like fasting or exercise.
The peptide also improves mitochondrial function. It helps cells deal with damage and maintain energy. This makes it an important part of cellular stress response research.
Benefits of MOTS-c Peptide in Research
In lab studies, the MOTS-c peptide has shown many possible benefits:
- Helps with weight control in animal studies
- Improves how the body uses sugar (glucose)
- Reduces insulin resistance
- Boosts endurance and muscle strength
- Supports healthy aging in mice
- Enhances mitochondrial performance
- Aids in oxidative stress reduction
Scientists are excited about how MOTS-c may support healthy metabolism and energy balance. But it is still being studied. It isn’t approved for people to use.
Research on MOTS-c Peptide
The peptide is being studied in labs to understand its role in different areas:
Metabolic Health
In rodent studies, MOTS-c helped lower blood sugar and insulin levels. It helped cells use sugar and fat more efficiently. This may make it helpful for studying type 2 diabetes and obesity.
Exercise and Muscle Strength
Lab tests found that MOTS-c helped mice perform better during exercise. It supported greater oxygen uptake in muscles and increased fat burning. This points to its potential role in endurance and strength studies.
In one study, mice treated with MOTS-c ran longer and had better recovery. This shows it may help with physical performance in test subjects.
Anti-Aging Studies
Some research links MOTS-c to better aging. In one study, old mice were given MOTS-c had better memory and movement. Their bodies also handled stress better. This makes it a popular peptide for longevity research.
Other research shows that MOTS-c helps protect DNA. It may also support healthier mitochondria, which are linked to slower aging.
How MOTS-c Peptide is Used in Labs
Researchers use synthetic MOTS-c peptide. It usually comes as a dry powder. Scientists mix it with sterile water before using it in lab experiments.
Storage Instructions
- Keep dry powder at -20°C
- After mixing, store at 2–8°C
- Use within 30 days of mixing
Lab Dosage
In rodent studies, typical doses range from 5 mg/kg to 15 mg/kg. Each lab may use a different dose depending on the goal of the study. The dosage depends on how the study is designed.
Always follow proper lab protocols. Wear gloves and use clean tools during preparation.
Safety and Compliance
The MOTS-c peptide is for research use only. Not designed for administration to humans or animals. Labs must follow proper safety guidelines when working with MOTS-c. Always wear gloves, use clean tools, and read the certificate of analysis (COA).
The COA gives detailed information about the peptide. It shows purity levels and testing results. Ignite Peptides provides full COA documents with every order.
Why Choose Ignite Peptides for MOTS-c?
Ignite Peptides offers MOTS-c peptides at high purity levels for labs. Our products are:
- Over 99% pure
- 3rd-party tested for quality
- Shipped fast from the USA
- Labeled for research use only
Our peptide comes with a full COA (certificate of analysis). This helps labs stay safe and compliant. We serve academic labs, private researchers, and institutions.
We provide friendly customer support and safe shipping. Supporting rigorous and innovative peptide research is our top priority.
FAQs About MOTS-c Peptide
Does the FDA approve MOTS-c?
No, the FDA has not approved MOTS-c peptide for medical use. It is for lab research only.
Can humans use MOTS-c peptide?
No. It is not safe or legal for humans. Scientists are still studying its effects.
How is MOTS-c different from other peptides?
Most peptides come from nuclear DNA. MOTS-c comes from mitochondrial DNA. This makes it work differently.
What does AMPK have to do with MOTS-c?
AMPK is a protein that regulates the body's energy. MOTS-c activates AMPK, which helps the body use sugar and fat.
What does MOTS-c mean for aging studies?
MOTS-c may help cells survive stress. It may also keep mitochondria healthy. These actions may support a longer health span.
Conclusion
The MOTS-c peptide is a powerful research tool. Scientists use it to study energy, metabolism, aging, and more. The peptide helps activate AMPK, boost energy use, and support cell health.
While not approved for people, this peptide offers great promise in lab studies. Labs looking to explore MOTS-c peptides can find high-purity products at Ignite Peptides.
Order MOTS-c peptide for your research needs today.
Reference:
- Lee, C., Zeng, J., Drew, B. G., Sallam, T., Martin-Montalvo, A., Wan, J., … & Cohen, P. (2015). The mitochondrial-derived peptide MOTS-c promotes metabolic homeostasis and reduces obesity and insulin resistance. Cell Metabolism, 21(3), 443–454. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cmet.2015.02.009
- Mohtashami, Z., Singh, M. K., Salimiaghdam, N., Ozgul, M., & Kenney, M. C. (2022). MOTS-c, the most recent mitochondrial-derived peptide in human aging and age-related diseases. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 23(19), 11991. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms231911991
- National Center for Biotechnology Information. (2021). MOTS-c and its effects on metabolism and mitochondrial function. PubMed Central. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8622853/
- WebMD. (n.d.). What are peptides? Retrieved May 27, 2025, from https://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/what-are-peptides
- Cleveland Clinic. (n.d.). What are peptides and how do they work? Retrieved May 27, 2025, from https://health.clevelandclinic.org/what-are-peptides
- National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. (n.d.). Mitochondrial biology and metabolism. National Institutes of Health. Retrieved May 27, 2025, from https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/science/mitochondrial-biology-and-metabolism