MOTS-c

MOTS-c is a 16-amino-acid peptide encoded by the 12S rRNA gene in mitochondrial DNA. This is significant because it is one of only a handful of known peptides encoded by the mitochondrial genome rather than nuclear DNA. It was first characterized by Dr. Changhan David Lee at the University of Southern California in 2015. MOTS-c primarily works through the Folate-AICAR-AMPK pathway, activating AMPK, which is sometimes called the master switch of cellular energy metabolism.

MOTS-c research spans metabolic regulation, exercise physiology, and aging. A 2020 study published in Nature Communications demonstrated that late-life MOTS-c treatment in mice improved physical capacity and extended median lifespan by 6.4%. Researchers have described MOTS-c as an "exercise mimetic" because physical exercise naturally induces MOTS-c expression in skeletal muscle and circulation. Studies have also investigated its role in insulin sensitivity, glucose metabolism, and mitochondrial homeostasis.

Yes. Published research has documented an approximately 21% decline in circulating MOTS-c levels between ages 18-30 and ages 70-81 in human subjects. This age-related decline, combined with the peptide's role in metabolic regulation, is a primary reason it has attracted interest in the longevity research community.

No. As a peptide, MOTS-c is broken down by digestive enzymes before it can be absorbed. It must be administered by injection (subcutaneous) in research settings. Some experimental oral peptide delivery systems are in development, but no validated oral MOTS-c formulation currently exists.

Store lyophilized MOTS-c at -20C. After reconstitution with bacteriostatic water, refrigerate at 2-8C and use within 30 days. Some researchers have noted that MOTS-c is best administered in the morning in preclinical protocols, as evening administration has been associated with sleep disruption in anecdotal reports.

No completed human clinical trials exist for MOTS-c. Anecdotal reports from the research community mention injection-site redness, mild nausea, headaches, increased heart rate, and occasional insomnia, particularly with higher doses or evening administration. These observations are dose-dependent and generally described as transient.

Every batch undergoes third-party HPLC and mass spectrometry testing. HPLC confirms purity (99%+ standard). Mass spectrometry confirms molecular identity. A batch-specific Certificate of Analysis is provided with every purchase and available for download directly on this page.

All Kern products ship same-day (orders placed before 1pm EST). Lyophilized peptides are shipped at ambient temperature and are stable during transit. Upon receipt, store at -20C for long-term stability or 2-8C for near-term use. If the product arrives damaged, contact us within 7 days with photos for a free replacement.

Price differences usually reflect differences in purity, testing standards, and manufacturing quality. Low-cost vendors may skip mass spectrometry verification (which confirms you actually have the right molecule), use lower-grade raw materials, or skip sterility and endotoxin testing. Kern tests every batch with both HPLC and mass spec, and our CoAs are available before you buy.