MOTS-c 20 mg
Also known as: Mitochondrial ORF of the 12S rRNA-c, MOTS-c
Quick summary
MOTS-c is a 16-amino-acid peptide encoded inside mitochondrial DNA, discovered at USC in 2015. Research focus: mitochondrial-derived peptides, AMPK activation and insulin sensitivity in mice. This page leads with SRP's low-and-slow starting dose.
Amino acid sequence (one-letter code): MRWQEMGYIFYPRKLR
Vial size: 20 mg
View product: MOTS-C Research Vials (20 mg and 40 mg) →Overview
MOTS-c is a 16-amino-acid peptide encoded inside mitochondrial DNA, discovered at USC in 2015. It acts mainly on skeletal muscle, where it affects the folate cycle and activates AMPK. Research centers on metabolic regulation and aging in mice.
Looking for research material? Simple Research Peptides lists MOTS-C Research Vials (20 mg and 40 mg) for laboratory research use.
Mechanism
A 16-amino-acid peptide encoded in mitochondrial 12S rRNA. Under metabolic stress it moves into the nucleus and is linked to AMPK activation and to how skeletal muscle uses glucose.
Research areas
- mitochondrial-derived peptides
- AMPK activation
- insulin sensitivity in mice
- diet-induced weight gain models
Storage & reconstitution
Supplied as a lyophilized powder; keep sealed, dry and away from light, ideally frozen or refrigerated for long-term holding. Laboratories typically reconstitute with bacteriostatic or sterile water, swirling gently rather than shaking, then hold the solution refrigerated (2–8 °C) and use it within the window set by their own stability protocol.
Recommended starting dose (low and slow)
| Starting dose | Low end of the studied range: 5 mg; 5 mg; 5 mg; 5 mg. |
|---|---|
| Frequency | Reported schedules: 1–3x weekly; 5–10mg weekly, split; 2–3× weekly; 2–3x weekly. |
| Reconstitution | Examples: 10 mg vial + 2 mL bacteriostatic water = 5 mg/mL; 10mg vial + 3mL isotonic diluent (as listed). Different water volumes can be used; that only changes the draw volume, not the amount of peptide. storage note: Reconstituted: refrigerate, used within 4 weeks. |
Studied higher doses
Studies have used doses up to the amounts below. Higher doses can be dangerous. Whether a person can reach them safely depends on height, weight, activity level, training and pre-existing conditions. We recommend following the lower starting dose above, and contacting SRP with any questions.
| Highest amount reported in studies | Top of the studied range: 10 mg; 10 mg; 10 mg; 10 mg. These are range tops, not verified ceilings. |
|---|
Route and timing
Route: Subcutaneous injection after reconstitution is the route most often described in research protocols.
Timing: Pending - to be added by SRP
Cycle length and repeat
Pending - to be added by SRP
Half-life
Approximate, for Bobby's review: Not well characterized; thought to be short.
Side effects
Pending - to be added by SRP
Suggested bloodwork and monitoring
Draft, for Bobby's review: CBC and comprehensive metabolic panel (kidney and liver function, electrolytes) before starting and again after a few weeks; fasting glucose, HbA1c and lipid panel; lipase where GLP-1 or amylin-pathway compounds are involved.
Cautions
Pending - to be added by SRP
Reconstitution calculator
Math aid only. It converts the numbers you enter; it is not dosing advice. For research use only. Prefilled with this page's vial size, reconstitution and low-and-slow starting dose where known; change any value.
Frequently asked questions
What is MOTS-c 20 mg studied for?
In research it is studied for mitochondrial-derived peptides, AMPK activation and insulin sensitivity in mice. A 16-amino-acid peptide encoded in mitochondrial 12S rRNA.
How is MOTS-c 20 mg given in research?
Subcutaneous injection after reconstitution is the route most often described in research protocols. See the dosing frequency block on this page for how often.
What amount should a researcher start with?
This page lists SRP's low-and-slow starting dose in the Recommended starting dose section. Higher amounts that appear in studies are listed separately with their safety context. Start with the lower dose and contact SRP with any questions.
Related peptides
Last updated: October 19, 2026