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MOTS-c
What it is
MOTS-c is a mitochondrial signal peptide, 16 amino acids long: MRWQEMGYIFYPRKLR. Its gene sits inside the 12S ribosomal RNA gene of mitochondrial DNA, one of very few hormones written there. Muscle releases it when you exercise, and its level falls with age. It switches on AMPK, the cell's fuel gauge, and in metabolic stress it travels into the nucleus to turn on protective genes. It is an exercise message in a vial.
Sources
Read the original sources
- The mitochondrial-derived peptide MOTS-c promotes metabolic homeostasis and reduces obesity and insulin resistance. (2015 · Abstract; full methods not assumed · checked 2026-10-13)
- MOTS-c, UniProt entry A0A0C5B5G6 (sequence) (Full text · checked 2026-10-13)
- The mitochondrial-encoded peptide MOTS-c translocates to the nucleus to regulate nuclear gene expression in response to metabolic stress (Abstract · checked 2026-10-13)
- MOTS-c is an exercise-induced mitochondrial-encoded regulator of age-dependent physical decline and muscle homeostasis (Full text · checked 2026-10-13)