MOTS-c
A peptide made inside the mitochondria that researchers study for its effects on metabolism and exercise-like signals in cells.
What Researchers Study
MOTS-c is a 16-amino-acid peptide that is actually encoded by the DNA inside mitochondria (the cell's power plants). When cells are under metabolic stress, MOTS-c can move into the nucleus and turn on genes involved in how the body uses sugar and fat. It is studied as a kind of exercise signal that cells can produce themselves.
Primary Research Applications
- AMPK (energy sensor) pathway experiments
- Insulin sensitivity tests in muscle cells
- Exercise-mimicking metabolic research
- How mitochondria talk to the cell nucleus
Benefits Researchers Are Exploring (in simple terms)
- Activates AMPK, which is a master switch for energy use and fat burning in cells.
- In myocyte (muscle cell) studies, it has been shown to improve insulin sensitivity and glucose uptake, even in insulin-resistant models.
- Induces gene programs similar to what happens during exercise or endurance training.
- Helps cells adapt to metabolic stress by moving to the nucleus and influencing antioxidant and metabolic genes.
- Interesting "mitochondrial signal" for researchers studying aging, diabetes, and exercise biology.
Mechanisms Under Investigation
Energy Sensor (AMPK)
It turns on AMPK, which then helps cells take up more glucose and burn more fat.
Exercise-Like Signals
It causes muscle cells to turn on genes normally activated by physical activity.
Mitochondria to Nucleus
Under stress, it travels to the cell nucleus and binds to areas that control metabolic and antioxidant genes.
Reconstitution Reference (how to mix it for lab use)
| Common vial size | 40 mg |
| Reconstitution | Add 4 mL bacteriostatic water = 10 mg per mL. |
| Storage | Freeze the dry powder. |
| Cell concentrations | 0.5-5 micrograms per milliliter in muscle or liver cell lines. |
Dosing Schedule Options from Research
Example Options Used in Studies
- Acute cell work: 24-48 hour exposure while measuring AMPK or glucose uptake.
- Chronic cell studies: Add to media daily or continuously for 7 days.
- Research model: Draw **10-20 units** (1-2 mg) weekly on 100-unit syringe for 4-6 weeks. Use 40 mg vial + 4 mL BAC = 10 mg/mL concentration.
- Exercise comparison: Often run in parallel with actual exercise or other mimetics for 3-4 weeks.
100-Unit Insulin Syringe Conversion Chart
Reconstitution used for these calculations: 40 mg vial + 4 mL bacteriostatic water = 10 mg/mL concentration (standard for MOTS-c).
Important: We have already done all the math for you. U-100 insulin syringes are marked in "units" (100 units = 1 mL). Just draw the exact number of units listed below for each dose. No calculations required on your end.
| Dose (mg) | Units on 100-unit syringe (pre-calculated) |
|---|---|
| 1 mg weekly | 10 units (0.10 mL) per dose |
| 2 mg weekly | 20 units (0.20 mL) per dose |
These unit amounts assume the exact concentration listed above. Always double-check your own reconstitution volume against the chart.
Safe Research Cycle Guidelines
Example Cycle References from Research Literature
- Typical research cycle: 4-6 weeks on at 1-2 mg weekly, minimum 2-4 weeks off.
- Exercise parallel: 3-4 weeks.
- Key: Approved protocols.
Research Notes
MOTS-c is exciting because it is one of the first well-studied peptides that comes from mitochondrial DNA and acts as a signal to the rest of the cell.
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