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MOTS-C
MOTS-c mitochondrial-derived peptide activates AMPK via folate-AICAR pathway to regulate glucose metabolism, insulin sensitivity, and lipid oxidation.
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Research peptides at >99% HPLC-verified purity, third-party tested by Janoshik Analytical & Freedom Diagnostics, with Certificates of Analysis published per released batch. Supplied strictly for laboratory research use.
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Research use only - all claims made on this site are for testing and research use only. Purchasers must be 21 years of age or older.
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MOTS-C
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Buy the 10-pack - save 66%/mg
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Lab-direct quality — full packs or single-vial samples
Every batch ships straight from the lab that synthesises it — sealed, tamper-evident, and HPLC-verified to >99% purity with a published batch Certificate of Analysis. View the batch Certificate of Analysis → Buying direct means you pay the lab-direct rate on every vial, with nothing stacked on top.
Order a sealed 10-vial research pack , or add a single-vial laboratory sample alongside your pack to evaluate a compound at smaller scale first. Same lab, same batch, same verified purity — scaled to whatever your research needs.
What It's Researched For
In plain terms, MOTS-c is studied mainly as an energy, exercise and metabolism compound. Here is what that looks like across the research.
Energy & mitochondria
Research explores how this peptide from inside mitochondria flips on the cell main energy sensor and builds more mitochondria.
Endurance & exercise
Animal studies look at how it copies many effects of a workout, including restored running capacity in older mice, earning it the nickname exercise mimetic.
Blood sugar & metabolism
Preclinical research investigates better blood-sugar handling and insulin response in obesity and ageing models.
Fat loss & body composition
Animal studies look at reductions in body fat that track with the exercise-like metabolic shift.
Cellular ageing & longevity
Widely used in metabolic-ageing research as a probe for how mitochondrial signalling changes with age. Circulating MOTS-c is reported to be ~11-21% higher in young donors than in middle-aged and older donors.
Heart & inflammation
Review-level work explores AMPK-dependent protection against cardiac dysfunction and pathological remodeling, alongside a shift toward anti-inflammatory cytokine profiles in animal models.
Overview
In short: MOTS-c is a 16-amino-acid mitochondrial-derived peptide that functions as an exercise-mimicking metabolic regulator - activating AMPK, improving insulin sensitivity, and increasing exercise capacity in preclinical aging models.
Key research facts
These points summarise lab themes, not human outcomes.
MOTS-c was one of the first peptides ever discovered to be encoded by mitochondrial DNA rather than the nuclear genome. Lee and colleagues reported it in 2015 as a short open reading frame hidden inside the 12S ribosomal RNA gene of the mitochondrial genome, and its unusual origin is part of why it quickly became a hot topic in longevity research.
Functionally, MOTS-c acts like a molecular signal that something metabolically demanding is happening - exercise, fasting, or mitochondrial stress. It activates AMPK (the master energy sensor) through the folate-methionine cycle, which then promotes glucose uptake, fatty acid oxidation, mitochondrial biogenesis, and improved insulin sensitivity. In animal models, giving exogenous MOTS-c reproduces many of the metabolic benefits of exercise without the workout.
That "exercise mimetic" behaviour is why MOTS-c is such a popular research target in metabolic and longevity science. It is supplied here as sterile lyophilised powder for in-vitro and preclinical research.
Mechanism of Action
MOTS-c activates AMPK by perturbing the folate-methionine cycle, raising intracellular AICAR, and turning on metabolic signals that normally appear only during exercise or stress.
Lee et al. (Cell Metabolism, 2015) introduced MOTS-c as an encoded regulator from MT-RNR1 and showed that exogenous administration improves insulin sensitivity in aged mice at 15 mg/kg three times weekly. Kim et al. (Cell Metabolism, 2018) later demonstrated stress-dependent nuclear translocation, where MOTS-c binds antioxidant response elements directly. A 2023 review in Frontiers in Endocrinology (Zheng, Wei & Wang) synthesises the broader preclinical picture - AMPK-driven glucose handling, cardioprotection against pathological remodeling, anti-inflammatory cytokine shifts, and an age-related decline in circulating MOTS-c (roughly 11-21% lower in older than younger donors). There is still no formal human pharmacokinetic data, but endogenous plasma MOTS-c rises with exercise, which gives researchers a natural baseline for dosing.
Common Questions People Are Asking
What is MOTS-c?
MOTS-c (Mitochondrial Open-reading-frame of the Twelve S rRNA type-c) is a 16-amino-acid mitochondrial-derived peptide encoded within mitochondrial DNA. It acts as a metabolic signalling peptide, notably activating the AMPK energy-sensing pathway. It is supplied as a lyophilised research-grade powder for laboratory use only.
What does MOTS-c do?
In research models MOTS-c activates AMPK and influences metabolic homeostasis - glucose handling, insulin sensitivity and mitochondrial energy metabolism - which is why it is studied as a candidate "exercise-mimetic" signalling peptide. These are findings in cell and animal models; New-U supplies it for laboratory research only and implies no human effect.
What is MOTS-c used for?
In the research literature MOTS-c is used as a tool compound to study mitochondrial signalling, AMPK activation, metabolic and exercise-physiology endpoints, and age-related metabolic decline. New-U supplies it strictly for in-vitro and animal-model research.
What is a mitochondrial-derived peptide?
A mitochondrial-derived peptide (MDP) is a short bioactive peptide encoded directly by mitochondrial DNA - specifically by small open reading frames hidden inside genes for mitochondrial ribosomal RNAs. MOTS-c (from 12S rRNA) and humanin (from 16S rRNA) are the two best-studied examples. Their discovery made mitochondria into a genuine endocrine organ that signals to the rest of the body.
Is MOTS-c actually an exercise mimetic?
In preclinical models, yes. MOTS-c reproduces several characteristic metabolic effects of exercise - AMPK activation, improved insulin sensitivity, increased mitochondrial biogenesis, restored running capacity in aged animals - without the animal actually exercising. Whether those effects translate to humans in comparable ways is still an open research question.
When is MOTS-c best administered in research protocols?
Morning administration, 30-60 minutes before fasted exercise, is the pattern most commonly used. The timing aligns exogenous MOTS-c with the window where endogenous production naturally peaks during exercise, and fasted state maximises AMPK responsiveness.
Is MOTS-c legal, and is it banned by WADA?
MOTS-c is sold strictly as a research-use-only laboratory compound; it is not an approved drug or supplement for human use anywhere. For competing athletes it is a WADA-prohibited substance, so it should never be used in or out of competition by anyone subject to anti-doping rules. New-U supplies it for in-vitro and animal-model research only.
How is MOTS-c different from 5-Amino-1MQ?
Both are studied for metabolism, but they are not the same kind of molecule. MOTS-c is a 16-amino-acid mitochondrial-derived peptide that activates AMPK as an "exercise mimetic" and is injected. 5-Amino-1MQ is an orally active small-molecule NNMT inhibitor that preserves NAD+ and SAM pools. One is a signalling peptide; the other is an enzyme inhibitor - they reach overlapping metabolic endpoints by different routes.
Does MOTS-c decline with age?
Research suggests it does. A 2023 Frontiers in Endocrinology review reports that circulating MOTS-c is roughly 11-21% higher in young donors than in middle-aged and older donors, which is one reason it is studied as a mitochondrial-signalling probe for age-related metabolic decline. These are observational preclinical findings.
What does MOTS-c do beyond metabolism and exercise?
Beyond its best-known AMPK and exercise-mimetic effects, review-level preclinical work also describes AMPK-dependent cardioprotection against cardiac dysfunction and pathological remodeling, and a shift toward anti-inflammatory cytokine profiles in animal models. These are early-stage research observations in cell and animal systems, not demonstrated human effects; New-U supplies MOTS-c for laboratory research only.
How should MOTS-c be stored?
Keep the lyophilised powder frozen at −20 °C. After reconstitution with bacteriostatic water, refrigerate at 1-6 °C and protect from light. MOTS-c is reasonably stable in solution within the normal peptide-handling window.
What happens if you stop taking peptides?
MOTS-c is a mitochondrial-derived peptide studied as a metabolic/AMPK-signalling molecule rather than a hormone. In the research models, its short residence time means that once administration stops the peptide clears and the metabolic signalling it stimulated returns toward baseline; the literature does not describe a hormonal suppression or withdrawal effect. These are preclinical research observations.
Where can I buy MOTS-C?
Right here - MOTS-C is supplied directly by New-U Research Compounds on this page. Every batch is independently third-party tested to >99% HPLC purity with a batch-linked Certificate of Analysis, supplied as lyophilised research-grade material, and shipped direct from source worldwide in discreet, tracked packaging.
How much does MOTS-C cost?
MOTS-C pricing is shown live on this page, per pack size - 10-vial research packs as standard, with single-vial sample options on selected compounds. Larger vial strengths lower the per-mg cost, every order includes the batch Certificate of Analysis, and shipping is free on orders over $350.
Is MOTS-C third-party tested?
Yes. Every MOTS-C batch is verified by independent laboratories (Janoshik Analytics and Freedom Diagnostics) for identity and purity, with a batch-linked Certificate of Analysis confirming >99% purity by HPLC. Every order ships with its COA, and current batch certificates are published on our COA page.
How do I buy MOTS-C?
Add the MOTS-C pack size you need to your cart and check out: enter your shipping details, then choose your payment method - cryptocurrency or card - on the next step. Every order ships with its batch Certificate of Analysis (COA).
What payment methods can I use to buy MOTS-C?
At checkout you can pay by card or crypto. New-U supports BTC and selected stablecoin and network-asset payments across Ethereum, Solana, TRON, Polygon, Base, BNB Chain and Linea. You choose your method after confirming your order.
How fast is shipping, and do you ship worldwide?
Yes - we ship worldwide in discreet, unmarked, temperature-stable, tracked packaging. Delivery typically takes 6–14 business days, and shipping is free on orders over $350.
Research use only - all claims made on this site are for testing and research use only.
Pharmacokinetics
Evidence Tier
Overall: Tier 2: Animal / preclinical
MOTS-c evidence is preclinical - rodent and cell-based studies of AMPK activation, insulin sensitivity, exercise-mimetic metabolic endpoints, cardioprotection and anti-inflammatory signalling, consolidated in a 2023 Frontiers in Endocrinology review - with no formal human pharmacokinetic or efficacy data published. It is not approved for any indication (and is WADA-prohibited for competing athletes) and is supplied as unapproved laboratory material.
Tier 2 · Animal
Certificates, databases & peer-reviewed sources
Last reviewed: 23 July 2026 · New-U Research Compounds
Key Characteristics
Specifications
About MOTS-C: Mitochondrial-Derived Peptide & Exercise Mimetic Research Guide
MOTS-c belongs to a novel class of signalling molecules called mitochondrial-derived peptides (MDPs). Until the 2000s, it was assumed that mitochondrial DNA only encoded components of the electron transport chain and a few RNA species for local translation. The discovery that short open reading frames inside mitochondrial rRNA genes actually produce secreted bioactive peptides - MOTS-c is encoded in the 12S rRNA region and was identified at USC in 2015 - turned mitochondria into a genuine endocrine organ in their own right.
Functionally, MOTS-c is perhaps the cleanest molecular "exercise mimetic" that has been characterised to date. In aged mice, exogenous MOTS-c administration has restored insulin sensitivity toward young-mouse levels, improved running and exercise capacity, increased mitochondrial biogenesis, and reduced white adipose mass - exactly the profile of responses you would expect from a well-designed exercise programme. Researchers use it as a tool compound to isolate which effects of exercise trace back to mitochondrial AMPK signalling versus other physiological systems.
New-U Research Compounds supplies MOTS-c as a research-grade lyophilised powder at >99% HPLC purity, verified by independent third-party labs. All material is strictly for in-vitro and preclinical research use. MOTS-c is a WADA-prohibited substance for competing athletes, is not approved for human therapeutic use, and nothing on this page constitutes medical advice.
Customer Reviews
Smooth delivery
Ordered MOTS-c online from New-U and delivery was straight forward. Tracking worked, parcel arrived discreetly and the vial was sealed.
- Elena P****** · 30 August 2026
Well packed vial
The MOTS-c vial was protected properly inside the parcel. No damage, no loose packaging and the label was easy to read.
- Jade W***** · 30 August 2026
New-U MOTS-c order
First time ordering MOTS-c from New-U Research Compounds. Product page was clear, checkout was simple and delivery updates came through properly.
- Rafael M***** · 30 August 2026
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