Overview
What it is.
MOTS-c is a peptide encoded by mitochondrial DNA rather than the nuclear genome, which makes it a distinctive subject of metabolic research — particularly for how it may influence cellular energy use under metabolic stress such as exercise.
Research Areas
- Studied for its potential role in metabolic-regulation research
- Studied for its potential role in exercise-stress response research
- Studied for its potential role in insulin-sensitivity research
Batch & Testing
Proof, not promises.
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Every batch we release is independently HPLC tested before it ever reaches a lab bench. Browse the full certificate library.
Research Deep-Dive
How it works.
Research Deep-Dive
How it works.
MOTS-c is a peptide encoded by mitochondrial DNA rather than the cell's nuclear genome, which makes it biologically distinctive: it appears to act as a signal from the mitochondria (the cell's energy-producing structures) back to the rest of the cell during metabolic stress. It's a comparatively young area of peptide research relative to established metabolic medications.
MOTS-c is proposed to activate AMPK, the same cellular energy-sensing pathway engaged by exercise, and to translocate to the cell nucleus under metabolic stress to influence gene expression related to energy use and insulin sensitivity. Its full mechanism is still being mapped in ongoing research.
Use Cases Explored
- Academic research into mitochondrial-to-nuclear cellular signaling under metabolic stress
- Exercise-physiology research into AMPK-pathway activation
- Early-stage clinical research into insulin sensitivity in prediabetes
The Evidence
Preclinical diabetes research
Animal studies, including 2025 work in mouse models of type 1 and type 2 diabetes, have shown MOTS-c administration may reduce markers of pancreatic beta-cell aging — an early-stage mechanistic finding, not a human result.
Active Phase 2a human trial (ongoing, 2026)
A randomized, placebo-controlled trial is currently underway testing 12 weeks of MOTS-c in adults with prediabetes and overweight/obesity for effects on insulin sensitivity. Results are not yet published, so no efficacy claim can be made from it today.
Prior analog trial (CB4211)
A related MOTS-c analog showed safety and reduced liver-fat markers in a small Phase 1 trial, but that program's later development was discontinued — an example of how early positive signals in this class have not consistently advanced.
Specifications
The essentials.
Specifications
The essentials.
- Vial Capacity
- 3 ml glass vial
- Form
- Lyophilized powder
- Solubility
- Reconstitute with bacteriostatic water
- Storage
- Store in a cool, dry place. Refrigerate at 2–8°C after reconstitution
- Shelf Life
- 24 months lyophilized; 4–6 weeks refrigerated after reconstitution
Metabolic
MOTS-c
A mitochondrial-derived peptide studied for its role in metabolic-regulation research.
Size
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All products sold by One Tap Peptides are intended for laboratory research use only. Not for human consumption. Not intended for animal use. Not intended for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes.
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