MOTS-c

MOTS-c is a 16-amino-acid mitochondrial-derived peptide encoded by the mitochondrial MT-RNR1 gene with the amino acid sequence MRWQEMGYIFYPRKLR[1]. It functions as an exercise mimetic and metabolic regulator[1]. The peptide has an α-helical structure and interacts with various nuclear genome-encoded proteins including mechanistic target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) and AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK)[2]. MOTS-c is upregulated in response to exercise and translocates to the cell nucleus to mediate mitochondrial-nuclear communication[2]. It regulates glucose metabolism in skeletal muscle, enhances insulin sensitivity, increases fatty acid oxidation in adipose tissue, promotes osteoblast differentiation and inhibits osteoclast production in bone, and possesses anti-inflammatory properties[2][4]. MOTS-c was discovered in 2015[1].

Brand names

None (experimental peptide, not approved for commercial use)

Other names

Mitochondrial-derived peptideMDP