MOTS-c: Mitochondrial-Derived Peptide Signaling in Metabolic Research
Research-focused overview of MOTS-c biology and experimental findings. For laboratory research use only.
Research Use Only: The content below summarizes non-clinical and exploratory findings and is not intended for human or veterinary use.
What is MOTS-c?
MOTS-c is a 16–amino acid mitochondrial-derived peptide encoded within the 12S rRNA region of mitochondrial DNA.
Under conditions of cellular or metabolic stress, experimental models suggest MOTS-c may translocate to the nucleus
and participate in signaling pathways that connect mitochondrial status with nuclear gene expression.
Scholarly reviews describe potential roles in metabolic signaling, stress adaptation, and aging-related pathways
within controlled research systems.
Preclinical Highlights
Metabolic Signaling (Preclinical)
Exercise-Associated Signals
Experimental literature describes signaling patterns that overlap with pathways activated during physical activity,
leading some authors to explore MOTS-c within an “exercise-associated” research context.
PubMed
leading some authors to explore MOTS-c within an “exercise-associated” research context.
PubMed
Stress & Aging Context
Human Observations (Exploratory)
Limited human and ex-vivo studies report transient, exercise-associated changes in circulating or tissue-level MOTS-c.
These observations remain exploratory and are not linked to established clinical applications.
PMC
These observations remain exploratory and are not linked to established clinical applications.
PMC
Mechanistic Snapshot (Experimental)
| Axis | Model | Observed Research Findings |
|---|---|---|
| AMPK-Related Signaling | Mouse & in-vitro | Altered AMPK pathway activation and glucose transport signaling observed in preclinical models. PubMed |
| Nuclear Translocation | Cell stress models | Stress-induced movement to the nucleus with downstream gene-expression modulation in experimental systems. PubMed |
| Exercise-Linked Changes | Human / ex-vivo | Transient increases observed following exercise in small exploratory studies. PMC |
View MOTS-c (Research Grade)