MOTS-C 20mg
Mitochondrial-derived peptide investigated in preclinical models for AMPK activation, glucose regulation, and metabolic homeostasis.
Mechanism
Preclinically stimulates the cellular AMPK signaling cascade via folate cycle interaction to support mitochondrial bioenergetics, glucose clearance, and fatty acid oxidation.
Dosing
Standard laboratory protocols report an initial daily subcutaneous research dose of 200 mcg (~3 units on a U-100 syringe) titrated bi-weekly.
Reconstitution
Reconstitute the 20 mg vial with 3.0 mL of bacteriostatic water to achieve a working concentration of approximately 6.67 mg/mL (6,667 mcg/mL).
Storage
Store the dry lyophilized powder frozen at -20 °C, and maintain the reconstituted liquid refrigerated at 2–8 °C protected from light without refreezing for up to 7 days.
Mix & measure MOTS-C 20mg
Pre-filled with this protocol's recommended BAC water and documented starting dose — edit any field to run your own numbers.
Mix & measure MOTS-C 20mg
Vial strength → BAC water → target dose
Common vial sizes
Label claim
Total doses in vial: 100.0
U-100 syringe: 100 units = 1 mL
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Reconstitution math only — not dosing advice. U-100 syringe: 100 units = 1 mL. Advanced calculator →
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Dosing Chart
| Phase / Day(s) | Dose & Frequency | Volume (U-100 units / mL) |
|---|---|---|
| Weeks 1–2 | 200 mcg (1× daily) | ~3 units (0.03 mL) |
| Weeks 3–4 | 400 mcg (1× daily) | ~6 units (0.06 mL) |
| Weeks 5–6 | 600 mcg (1× daily) | ~9 units (0.09 mL) |
| Weeks 7–8 | 800 mcg (1× daily) | ~12 units (0.12 mL) |
| Weeks 9–10+ | 1,000 mcg (1× daily) | ~15 units (0.15 mL) |
Reconstitution Steps
- 1
Draw exactly 3.0 mL of sterile bacteriostatic water into a reconstitution syringe.
- 2
Aseptically introduce the needle through the center of the cleaned rubber stopper.
- 3
Depress the plunger slowly, aiming the fluid stream against the internal glass wall to minimize turbulent agitation.
- 4
Gently rotate and invert the vial until the lyophilized cake is fully dissolved without vigorous shaking.
- 5
Affix a label noting reconstitution date and working concentration (~6.67 mg/mL), then store refrigerated at 2–8 °C away from light.
Supplies Needed
Peptide Vial
Lyophilized MOTS-c powder (20 mg) container for laboratory investigation
Insulin Syringes (U-100)
0.3 mL, 0.5 mL, or 1 mL U-100 syringes for precise measurement of micro-volume daily doses
Bacteriostatic Water
3.0 mL of sterile diluent preserved with 0.9% benzyl alcohol per 20 mg vial
Alcohol Swabs
70% isopropyl alcohol prep pads for disinfecting vial stoppers and procedural contact surfaces
Why researchers study it
Regulation of metabolic homeostasis via AMPK pathway activation
Preclinical enhancement of fatty acid oxidation and lipid regulation
Mechanisms governing insulin sensitivity under metabolic challenge
Exploration of exercise-mimetic effects and mitigation of age-related physical decline
These describe what is being studied, not proven benefits, approved uses, or promised results.
Overview
MOTS-c is a 16-amino-acid peptide expressed from the mitochondrial genome rather than nuclear DNA. Serving as an endocrine-like cellular messenger, it communicates metabolic state between the mitochondria and other cellular compartments. In laboratory models, it functions primarily as an energy sensor that stimulates cellular adaptations analogous to exercise and energetic stress. Preclinical investigations frequently focus on its capacity to activate 5' AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) by accumulating the intermediate AICAR through folate cycle inhibition. This cascade shifts cellular energy usage toward enhanced fatty acid oxidation, elevated glucose uptake, and reduced de novo lipogenesis. Furthermore, animal studies explore its potential to preserve physical capacity, muscle architecture, and insulin sensitivity across aging phenotypes. All documented protocols represent strictly non-clinical, laboratory research explorations. MOTS-c remains an unapproved investigational research peptide without completed human clinical trials verifying therapeutic efficacy or long-term safety.
References
- 1.Lee C, Zeng J, Drew BG, et al., Cell Metabolism, 2015 — The mitochondrial-derived peptide MOTS-c promotes metabolic homeostasis and reduces obesity and insulin resistance
- 2.Wan W, Zhang L, Lin Y, et al., Journal of Translational Medicine, 2023 — Mitochondria-derived peptide MOTS-c: effects and mechanisms related to stress, metabolism and aging
- 3.Lu H, Wei M, Zhai Y, et al., Journal of Molecular Medicine, 2019 — MOTS-c peptide regulates adipose homeostasis to prevent ovariectomy-induced metabolic dysfunction
- 4.Reynolds JC, Lai RW, Woodhead JST, et al., Nature Communications, 2021 — MOTS-c is an exercise-induced mitochondrial-encoded regulator of age-dependent physical decline and muscle homeostasis
- 5.Yi X, Hu G, Yang Y, et al., Frontiers in Physiology, 2023 — Role of MOTS-c in the regulation of bone metabolism
- 6.Mohtashami Z, Singh MK, Salimiaghdam N, et al., International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 2022 — MOTS-c, the Most Recent Mitochondrial-Derived Peptide in Human Aging and Age-Related Diseases
- 7.Kong BS, Lee H, L'Yi S, et al., Experimental & Molecular Medicine, 2025 — Mitochondrial-encoded peptide MOTS-c prevents pancreatic islet cell senescence to delay diabetes
Supplies Needed
Suggested supplier
Research use only. Listing a supplier is not an endorsement of any protocol on this site, and nothing sold there is approved for human use.
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