MitochondrialResearch OnlyS

MOTS-c

Mitochondrial ORF of 12S rRNA type-c

MOTS-c is a 16-amino acid mitochondria-derived peptide (MDP) encoded within the 12S rRNA region of the mitochondrial genome — one of only a few proteins known to be encoded by mitochondrial DNA. Early human studies and animal research show it activates AMPK signaling, improves insulin sensitivity, enhances exercise capacity, and reduces age-related metabolic decline. Research only.

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Observational report only — live community data. Not medical advice. Does not recommend doses, protocols, or treatments.
Studies cited
5
Research grade
S
Community score
48

Trend index

Trackers
175

Overview

About MOTS-c

MOTS-c is a 16-amino acid mitochondria-derived peptide (MDP) encoded within the 12S rRNA region of the mitochondrial genome — one of only a few proteins known to be encoded by mitochondrial DNA. Early human studies and animal research show it activates AMPK signaling, improves insulin sensitivity, enhances exercise capacity, and reduces age-related metabolic decline. Research only.

Category
Mitochondrial
Regulatory status
Research Only
Also known as
Mitochondrial ORF of 12S rRNA type-c
Self-reports
111

Community

What 111 users report

111 community reports

Positive 17% · Neutral 2% · Negative 81%

Most reported benefits

Appetite
230
Energy
45
Mood
1
Recovery
1

Most reported side effects

Injection site irritation
191

Dose distribution

Median: 2000+ mcg · Most common: 2000+ mcg

0–25
4
25–50
0
50–100
0
100–200
1
200–400
8
400–600
11
600–1000
8
1000–2000
42
2000+
157

How repeat users are trending

Among repeat reporters, 56% said they felt similar to their last entry, 31% more positive, and 13% more negative.

Overall, repeat reporters leaned more positive than their previous entry.

Median gap between entries: 44 days · Based on 45 repeat reporters

Research

Cited research (3)

Help

Frequently asked

What do PeptIQ users report about MOTS-c?

This page summarizes 111 anonymized self-reports from PeptIQ users who track MOTS-c, including commonly reported effects and co-tracked peptides. These are observational patterns, not clinical outcomes.

What research is cited for MOTS-c?

3 sources are linked on this page, including PubMed articles, clinical trial registries, and FDA labels where applicable. Citations describe published research — not recommendations.

Is MOTS-c safe to use?

This wiki does not assess safety or recommend use. MOTS-c is listed as Research Only. Consult a licensed clinician for personal medical decisions.

What are the purported benefits and uses of MOTS-c?

Research, primarily in animal models, suggests MOTS-c may have a wide range of therapeutic potentials due to its ability to promote angiogenesis (formation of new blood vessels), stimulate collagen synthesis, and modulate inflammatory responses.

Source

What is the legal status of MOTS-c?

MOTS-c is not approved by the FDA for any human use. There is no legal basis for selling it as a drug, food, or dietary supplement in the United States. The FDA has classified MOTS-c as a Category 2 bulk drug substance, which explicitly prohibits licensed compounding pharmacies from using it in compounded medications.

Source

What are the known or theoretical side effects and risks of MOTS-c?

The safety and effectiveness of MOTS-c have not been thoroughly evaluated in humans through rigorous clinical trials. This lack of human data means that safe dosages, short-term side effects, and long-term health consequences are largely unknown.

Source

What is the current state of research on MOTS-c?

While there are over 200 published studies on MOTS-c, the vast majority are animal or in vitro (cell) studies. These preclinical studies consistently show positive results across various tissue types. However, there is a significant lack of comprehensive human clinical trial data.

Source