Cell / animal study· 2015
The mitochondrial-derived peptide MOTS-c promotes metabolic homeostasis and reduces obesity and insulin resistance.
Cell metabolism
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PreclinicalNot FDA-approved
MOTS-c
Mitochondrial-derived 16-amino-acid peptide
Also indexed as: Mitochondrial-derived peptide
What this evidence does not tell us
The linked study shows metabolic findings in cells and mice. Human associations with naturally occurring MOTS-c are not evidence that administration improves outcomes.
Terms on this page
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10 glossary terms used in this profile
Terms on this page
Unfamiliar word? Open this panel for simple explanations, right here.
10 glossary terms used in this profile
Select a word to see its meaning. You can keep more than one definition open.
Definitions explain the words—not whether a molecule works or is safe. Research education only, not medical advice.
Overview
MOTS-c is a 16-amino-acid mitochondrial-derived peptide described in metabolic research. Endogenous peptide measurements, experimental administration and clinical treatment are different kinds of evidence.
Mechanism of action
AMPK / mitochondrial metabolism
Preclinical work links changes in folate/purine metabolism with AMPK activation and metabolic stress responses.
A biological pathway describes a proposed or observed interaction—not necessarily a demonstrated health outcome.
Decode the terminology in our glossaryPut the research in context
Simplified educational maps—not a treatment pathway or a prediction of benefit.
Scientific evidence
How strong is the evidence?
Early lab & animal research
- Limited evidence
- Early researchCurrent category
- Human research
- Human outcomes
Most support comes from cells or animals. These studies help form questions, but do not prove a treatment works in people.
For this research: The linked study shows metabolic findings in cells and mice. Human associations with naturally occurring MOTS-c are not evidence that administration improves outcomes.
An editorial guide—not a validated score, a percentage, a safety rating or an approval badge. Regulatory status is separate. More research does not mean fewer risks.
Cell studies
Folate/purine pathway effects and AMPK activation were investigated in cellular experiments.
Animal experiments
Mouse models examined diet-induced obesity and insulin resistance; clinical treatment effects in humans are unproven.
Human observational studies
Associations, biomarker studies and anecdotes cannot establish treatment causality; no observational result is used here to infer clinical effectiveness.
Human clinical trials
Reliable, independently replicated human outcome evidence is not established by the selected sources in this edition.
Regulatory evidence
No FDA-approved finished drug for this molecule is identified in this edition. Investigational use, published research or compounding does not establish FDA approval.
Potential research applications
Metabolic stress, insulin sensitivity and skeletal-muscle signaling.
These describe scientific questions, not prescribing recommendations. A research grouping does not establish combination safety or clinical effectiveness.
Explore research by health goalSafety considerations
FDA reports no identified human exposure data for nominated MOTS-c drug products and possible immunogenicity and impurity concerns. Endogenous biomarker studies do not establish injection safety.
This is not an exhaustive safety or contraindication list. An absence of reported harm is not proof of safety. Pregnancy, breastfeeding, cancer history, endocrine disease and concurrent medicines can materially change risk. Unregulated preparations add identity, contamination and sterility risks.
Read FDA’s compounding safety informationRegulatory status · United States
Not FDA-approved
No FDA-approved finished drug for this molecule is identified in this edition. Investigational use, published research or compounding does not establish FDA approval.
Regulatory status and evidence strength are different. A nomination for compounding, a clinical-trial registration or a “research use only” label is not approval. International rules vary; consult the current regulator and product label.
Selected literature & source transparency
Matched bibliographic records confirm a publication’s identity, not the validity of every claim. Selected sources are not a systematic literature review.
Continue your own source search
These open search results, not additional verified citations. Trial registration is not evidence that a treatment works.
Three questions worth bringing to your clinician
- Which human outcomes—not just biomarkers—support this claim?
- What established options address my actual health concern?
- What do my medical history and current medicines change about the risks?
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