MOTS-c

What is MOTS-c?

MOTS-c is a 16-amino-acid mitochondrial-derived peptide encoded inside the mitochondrial 12S rRNA region. The core finding from Lee 2015 is that MOTS-c can regulate insulin sensitivity and metabolic homeostasis by inhibiting the folate and purine biosynthesis pathway, raising AICAR, and activating AMPK, the same energy-sensing pathway stimulated by exercise and caloric stress.

From the BioHarmony report, reviewed 2026-09-08.

How it is thought to work

Inhibits ATIC in the folate and purine biosynthesis pathway, increases AICAR, activates AMPK, and can translocate to the nucleus during metabolic stress per Kim 2018.

Safety watch-outs

• Injection-site infection
• Hypoglycemia symptoms
• Severe fatigue or muscle weakness

Full risk profile in the BioHarmony report.

Dosing as published

No approved-label or study protocol is recorded for MOTS-c yet.

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