Encyclopedia entry
MOTS-c
Oliver Mackman · Editorial director · Best Business Loans Ltd (16833937)
Last updated 2026-05-20
MOTS-c (Mitochondrial Open Reading frame of the Twelve S rRNA-c) is a 16-amino-acid peptide encoded inside mitochondrial DNA, first characterised by the Cohen lab at USC in 2015. Preclinical literature suggests roles in metabolic regulation, insulin sensitivity, exercise capacity and late-life healthspan in mouse models. No human clinical trials have been published. In the UK it is sold by research-peptide retailers under "research use only, not for human or animal consumption" and is widely discussed in the longevity and biohacker community. PeptideClear publishes encyclopedia commentary only and does not endorse human use.
Key publications
- · Lee C et al. Cell Metabolism 2015. Original characterisation of MOTS-c as a mitochondrial peptide regulating insulin sensitivity.
- · Reynolds JC et al. Nature Communications 2021. Late-life MOTS-c administration in mice extended healthspan.
- · Several smaller mouse studies on exercise capacity and metabolic flexibility.
What is not known
- · No published human RCTs.
- · No UK or US marketing authorisation.
- · Effective dose, route, and pharmacokinetics in humans are not established.
- · Long-term safety in humans is not established.
UK regulatory framing
Sold by UK research-peptide retailers under "research use only, not for human or animal consumption" framing. Same regulatory tier as BPC-157. We do not publish dosing or human-use protocols. UK retailer comparison.
Where to buy MOTS-c in the UK
Side-by-side price comparison across UK research peptide retailers. Trust Index ranking. Research use only.
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