Research-use context: This article is provided for laboratory research and educational purposes only. It is not medical, therapeutic, diagnostic, veterinary, dosing or human-use guidance.
A peptide encoded within mitochondrial DNA
MOTS-C is a 16-amino-acid mitochondrial-derived peptide encoded within the 12S rRNA region of mitochondrial DNA. Research has examined how mitochondrial-derived peptides can participate in communication between mitochondrial state and wider cellular signalling.
Metabolic signalling models
Experimental work has linked MOTS-C to changes in the folate-methionine cycle, AICAR accumulation and AMPK-associated signalling. These observations make molecular identity and experimental conditions important when comparing results across models.
Keep preclinical and human evidence separate
Much of the mechanistic literature is preclinical. Laboratory findings should therefore be described as experimental observations rather than assumed human outcomes.
References
Lee C et al. The mitochondrial-derived peptide MOTS-c promotes metabolic homeostasis and reduces obesity and insulin resistance. Cell Metab. 2015;21:443-454. PMID 25738459. Kim SJ et al. MOTS-c, the Most Recent Mitochondrial Derived Peptide in Human Aging and Age-Related Diseases. Int J Mol Sci. 2022. PMID 36233287.