MOTS-C 20mg

MOTS-C 20mg — Ultra-Purity Research Grade

What Is MOTS-C?

MOTS-C (Mitochondrial ORF of the 12S rRNA Type-C) is a 16-amino-acid peptide (MRWQEMGYIFYPRKLR) encoded not in the nuclear genome — as most peptides are — but in the mitochondrial genome itself. It was identified in 2015 by Changhan David Lee and colleagues at the USC Leonard Davis School of Gerontology. This unusual origin makes MOTS-C part of a new class of molecules called mitochondrial-derived peptides (MDPs), which also includes humanin and SHLP peptides.

Its mitochondrial origin means MOTS-C acts as a direct communication signal between the mitochondria and the rest of the cell — and potentially between cells and tissues — making it a fundamentally novel type of metabolic regulator.

X-Fuel MOTS-C is supplied at 20mg per vial, lyophilised to ultra-purity research grade.

Why the Community Uses It

MOTS-C has attracted a dedicated following among metabolic optimisers, competitive athletes, and longevity researchers for several interconnected reasons:

Insulin Sensitivity & Glucose Metabolism

In the original 2015 research and subsequent studies, MOTS-C demonstrated significant improvements in insulin sensitivity in rodent models — including reversal of diet-induced insulin resistance. It activates AMPK (AMP-activated protein kinase), a master metabolic regulator, and promotes glucose uptake in skeletal muscle through GLUT4 translocation. This profile is highly relevant to competitive athletes managing carbohydrate intake and body composition.

Exercise Performance

A landmark 2021 study demonstrated that MOTS-C administration in aged mice restored their physical performance to levels comparable with young mice — and even enhanced performance in young mice beyond baseline. The mechanisms involve mitochondrial biogenesis and improved muscular glucose utilisation.

Longevity & Anti-Ageing

MOTS-C levels decline with age, and restoration has been associated in animal models with extended healthspan. Its interaction with the AMPK pathway — also targeted by metformin — places it in the same conceptual category as established longevity interventions.

Fat Oxidation & Body Composition

MOTS-C appears to promote fatty acid oxidation and reduce adiposity in animal models, making it relevant to body composition goals alongside its glucose metabolism effects.

Mechanism of Action

MOTS-C translocates to the nucleus under metabolic stress, where it regulates nuclear gene expression — a remarkable behaviour for a mitochondrially-encoded peptide. It activates AMPK signalling, modulates the folate cycle and methionine metabolism, and influences antioxidant defence via the Nrf2 pathway.

Reconstitution & Storage

Supplied lyophilised. Reconstitute with bacteriostatic water. Store unreconstituted refrigerated at 2–8°C. Reconstituted solution: refrigerate and use within 28 days.

Storage Information

Store lyophilised at 2–8°C, protected from light. Reconstituted: refrigerate, use within 28 days. Avoid freeze-thaw cycles of reconstituted solution.

Usage & Reconstitution

Reconstitute with bacteriostatic water (1–2mL per vial). Subcutaneous injection is the researched administration route. Some protocols note administration around exercise timing to leverage synergistic AMPK activation.