MS40 MOTS-c

Mechanism of Action

MOTS-c is a 16-amino acid mitochondria-derived peptide that activates AMPK through the folate-AICAR-AMPK pathway. It functions as a retrograde signal from mitochondria to the nucleus, mimicking many beneficial effects of exercise. It translocates to the nucleus during metabolic stress, directly regulating gene expression.

Therapeutic Uses

• •Exercise mimetic / metabolic conditioning: Activates AMPK and exercise-responsive pathways without physical activity.
• •Insulin resistance / Type 2 diabetes: Dramatically improves insulin sensitivity and glucose homeostasis in animal models.
• •Age-related metabolic decline: MOTS-c levels decline with age; restoration reverses age-dependent insulin resistance.
• •Physical performance: Enhanced exercise capacity and endurance in animal models.
• •Obesity: Prevents diet-induced obesity through enhanced metabolic rate and improved fatty acid oxidation.

Empirical Evidence

Lee C et al. (Cell Metab 2015) — Prevented age-dependent insulin resistance in mice. Improved exercise capacity and metabolic health. MOTS-c induced 11.9-fold in skeletal muscle after exercise (human biopsy data). Kim KH et al. — Restored physical capacity in aged mice.