MOTS-c — Clinical Reference

**⚠ Educational reference only — not medical advice.** This article is for research and educational reference. Always consult your own physician before considering any peptide protocol. See the full Disclaimer at the end of this article. ## Introduction MOTS-c (Mitochondrial Open Reading frame of the Twelve S rRNA-c) is a 16-amino-acid peptide encoded within the mitochondrial 12S rRNA gene — one of the first characterized members of the mitochondrial-derived peptide (MDP) family. First reported by Pinchas Cohen's group at USC. Investigational; no FDA-approved indication. ## Mechanism of Action MOTS-c modulates metabolic homeostasis by activating AMPK and downstream signaling that improves insulin sensitivity, glucose disposal, and mitochondrial biogenesis. Circulating MOTS-c is reduced in insulin-resistant states and aging cohorts; exercise transiently raises it, framing exogenous MOTS-c as a possible exercise-mimetic. ## Research Indications Insulin resistance, type-2 diabetes models, obesity, age-related muscle dysfunction, and exercise-capacity research. Human data are early; rodent and primate studies have shown improved glucose tolerance and muscle endurance. ## Reconstitution Typical 10 mg lyophilized vial: add **2 mL of bacteriostatic water**, swirl gently. Final concentration **5000 mcg/mL (5 mg/mL)** — each 0.1 mL (10 units on a U-100 insulin syringe) delivers 500 mcg. ## Dosing Protocol (research literature) Published research protocols typically dose **5–10 mg subcutaneously twice weekly** (e.g., Monday + Thursday) for **8–12 weeks** with metabolic and body-composition reassessment. Some protocols front-load with a daily 10 mg loading week before stepping to twice-weekly maintenance. ## Administration Subcutaneous injection into abdominal fat, rotating sites. Timing of day does not appear to influence efficacy. ## Storage & Handling Lyophilized: refrigerate (2–8°C); freeze (–20°C) for long-term storage. Reconstituted: refrigerate; stable approximately **21–28 days**. Protect from light. ## Side Effects Predominantly mild injection-site reactions. Transient lightheadedness has been reported at higher doses. Long-term safety data are limited. ## Contraindications Pregnancy, lactation, active malignancy, and uncontrolled diabetes without specialist input. ## Monitoring Baseline fasting glucose, HbA1c, lipid panel, body composition. Re-measure at 6 and 12 weeks. Counsel on hydration during loading weeks. ## Disclaimer **This article is for informational and research-reference purposes only.** Nothing in this document constitutes medical advice, a prescription, or a recommendation from a physician. The reconstitution, dosing, and protocol information above reflects ranges commonly cited in published research and clinician-directed protocols — it is provided as reference material only, not as instructions, an endorsement of off-label use, or a substitute for individualized medical evaluation. **Customers should do their own research and consult their own physician** before considering any peptide protocol. Whether a given compound is appropriate for an individual — and at what dose, for what duration, and alongside what monitoring — is a decision that only a licensed clinician with knowledge of that individual's medical history, current medications, and conditions can make. The platform and the author make no claim that any compound described here is safe, effective, or appropriate for any particular person or purpose, and accept no responsibility for outcomes arising from self-directed use of the information.