What is MOTS-c?
MOTS-c is a relatively new peptide of 16 amino acids that promote metabolic balance. It regulates metabolic functions throughout the body.
For instance, it turns glucose into usable energy.
 
The DNA in the cell nucleus encodes most peptides. But, the mitochondria’s DNA encodes MOTS-c making it unique among peptides.
Research by the University of Southern California found this peptide may help fight weight gain and normalize metabolism – similar to effects mostly linked with exercise.
 
How MOTS-c May Help
MOTS-c has a long list of possible benefits. Most notably, it may improve physical function, insulin sensitivity, age-related metabolic diseases, and obesity.
 
One of the signs of aging is the gradual loss of cell function. In turn, this inhibits the working tissue of organs and leads to less physical ability. As a result, aging is the leading risk for chronic disease.
We link aging with reduced MOTS-c levels in many tissues, including skeletal muscle and circulation.
According to study results, MOTS-c treatment helped middle-aged and old mice run significantly longer and further than untreated mice. What’s more, old mice outperformed untreated middle-aged mice. The results suggest physical re-programming rather than just rejuvenation.
In other words, MOTS-c seems to increase exercise ability on a cellular level.
 
Controls Insulin Sensitivity
MOTS-c may also improve whole-body insulin sensitivity.
When there’s more glucose available, insulin helps distribute it. It also inhibits hepatic glucose production (HGP) to help the body maintain balance.
As the body becomes less sensitive to insulin, it doesn’t use it as well, which increases the risk of type 2 diabetes.
Researchers noted the peptide helped the body distribute insulin faster, showing better skeletal muscle insulin sensitivity.
 
Because MOTS-c boosts insulin sensitivity, it may help the body use insulin better and lower the risk of insulin resistance.
 
Metabolic Diseases of Aging
We associate aging with a decline of mitochondrial function and developing age-related diseases, such as diabetes and metabolic syndrome. And since MOTS-c levels fall with age, declining mitochondrial-derived peptides (MDP) may relate to metabolic decline.
Thus, regular MDP treatments may improve the abnormal metabolism linked with aging in humans.
 
Helps With Diet-induced Obesity
The peptide may affect obesity, as well.
The peptide helps activate AMPK in mice on a high-fat diet. For this reason, it may prevent diet-induced obesity.
 
What is AMPK?
The AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) acts as a cellular energy sensor.
Cells activate AMPK when they are running low on energy.
It’s also activated throughout the body after exercise or during calorie restriction. Studies show that compounds that activate AMPK may promote health.
For instance, it may reverse diabetes, enhance heart health, treat mitochondrial diseases, and even increase life span.
 
The study suggests that MOTS-c may prevent diet-induced obesity because it increases energy use and heat production and improves insulin sensitivity and glucose use.
While the peptide didn’t seem to affect body weight with regular diets, it can support weight loss in some cases.
 
Other Benefits
In addition to the benefits mentioned, it may also:
Promote fatty acid metabolism in the liver
Help control mitochondrial energy
Promote metabolic flexibility and balance
Improve resistance to metabolic stress
Help prevent osteoporosis