Longevity & Anti-Aging

Extensively Studied

MOTS-c

Mitochondrial-derived peptide studied in metabolism.

Also known as: Mitochondrial ORF of the 12S rRNA type-c

Research dose range5–10 mg weekly (research models)

Route studiedSubcutaneous

Study duration1–3× weekly, multi-week studies

Storage2–8 °C reconstituted

Overview

MOTS-c is a mitochondrial-derived peptide investigated in metabolic regulation, exercise physiology, and cellular-energy research.

Key research findings

A mitochondrial-derived peptide encoded within mitochondrial DNA, studied as an 'exercise-mimetic' regulator of metabolic homeostasis. Research reports activation of AMPK, improved insulin sensitivity, enhanced fat metabolism, and declining levels with age — fueling longevity interest.

Mechanism of action

Translocates to the nucleus under metabolic stress, influencing AMPK signaling and the expression of metabolic and antioxidant genes.

Molecular information

Weight2,174 Da

Length16 amino acids

TypeMitochondrial-derived peptide (MDP)

Encoded within the mitochondrial 12S rRNA region; translocates to the nucleus to regulate metabolic genes.

Pharmacokinetics

Peak: ~1–2 hoursHalf-life: ~HoursCleared: ~2–3 days

Peak · 0.1dHalf-life · 0.5d

Illustrative relative-concentration model derived from published pharmacokinetic research. Curve is normalized and provided for educational comparison only — not a dosing schedule.

Research applications

Metabolic-regulation research
Exercise-physiology studies
Cellular-aging investigations

Research protocols

Protocols summarized from published research models. Provided for scientific reference only — not dosing guidance for human use.

Research goalReference amountFrequencyRoute

Conservative referenceAmount: 5 mgFrequency: WeeklyRoute: Subcutaneous

Standard referenceAmount: 10 mgFrequency: 1–3× weeklyRoute: Subcutaneous

Observed effects timeline

Aggregated observations reported across research literature. Timing and magnitude vary by model and are not a guarantee of outcome.

Week 1–4
AMPK activation and metabolic-flexibility changes reported in study models.
Week 4–12
Insulin-sensitivity and fat-metabolism changes reported with continued use.

Research compatibility

Describes how compounds are studied alongside one another in the literature. Not a recommendation to co-administer.

NAD+

Complementary cellular-energy support.

Synergistic

SS-31

Complementary mitochondrial pathways.

Compatible

CJC-1295 / Ipamorelin

Different mechanisms allow safe combination with potential synergistic metabolic benefits.

Compatible

5-Amino-1MQ

Co-studied in metabolic-enhancement contexts.

Compatible

Diabetes Medications

Enhanced insulin sensitivity may require dose adjustment to prevent hypoglycemia.

Use caution

Metformin

Both activate AMPK pathway - may cause additive hypoglycemic effects. Monitor blood glucose closely.

Use caution

How to reconstitute

Important

Reconstitute with bacteriostatic water, swirl gently, and refrigerate. Avoid shaking to preserve the peptide.

1Allow the vial to reach room temperature (15–20 minutes).
2Swab the stopper with alcohol and let it air dry.
3Add bacteriostatic water slowly down the vial wall.
4Swirl gently until dissolved into a clear solution.
5Refrigerate at 2–8 °C and protect from light.

Open reconstitution calculator

Quality indicators

Uniform white powder

Lyophilized cake should be white to off-white without discoloration.

Clear solution

Reconstitutes to a clear, colorless, particle-free solution.

Cold-chain integrity

Reconstituted solution requires 2–8 °C storage.

Slight clumping

Small clumps that dissolve completely with gentle swirling are acceptable — shipping can cause minor compaction.

Collapsed or melted appearance

Powder that looks collapsed, melted, or stuck to the vial walls may have been exposed to heat in transit.

Cloudy after reconstitution

Persistent cloudiness, particles, or precipitate after gentle mixing can indicate a degraded or contaminated peptide.

Reported observations & safety

Safety signals reported in the research literature. Compiled for scientific awareness — not medical advice.

Generally reported as well tolerated in research; mild injection-site reactions are the most common signal.
Human data are limited; most evidence is preclinical or early-stage.

References & further reading

MOTS-c: mitochondrial-derived peptide and metabolic homeostasis (review)

PreclinicalAMPKmetabolic regulation

Review of MOTS-c's role as an exercise-mimetic regulator of metabolism via AMPK and nuclear gene regulation.

View study

Topics

mitochondriametabolismlongevity

This entry is provided for educational and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, a dosing protocol, or a claim of therapeutic benefit. Research compounds are supplied strictly for laboratory and research use — not for human or veterinary consumption.

Research level

Extensively Studied

Large body of preclinical and clinical literature.

Quick reference

Dose range5–10 mg weekly (research models)

RouteSubcutaneous

Duration1–3× weekly, multi-week studies

Storage2–8 °C reconstituted

Half-life~Hours

Available at Reviva

MOTS-c is stocked as a research-grade compound, ≥99% by HPLC, third-party verified.

View in catalogue