MOTS-c Dosing & Protocols — Research Reference

MOTS-c (Mitochondrial Open Reading frame of the Twelve S rRNA-c) is a 16-amino-acid mitochondrial-derived peptide encoded within the 12S rRNA gene. It is studied in insulin sensitivity, mitochondrial biogenesis, AMPK signalling, and exercise-mimetic research models.

Reconstitution for Research

MOTS-c is typically supplied lyophilized in 5 mg or 10 mg vials. A 5 mg vial reconstituted with 2 mL bacteriostatic water yields 2.5 mg/mL; 10 IU on a U-100 syringe at that concentration delivers 250 mcg. The peptide is hygroscopic — minimize headspace exposure during reconstitution. Refrigerate at 2–8 °C and use within the COA's documented window (typically 21–30 days).

Reference Dose Ranges in Published Research

| Research model tier | Typical range | Notes | |---|---|---| | Entry / characterization | 5 mg per dose, 2–3× per week | Threshold dose in most translational rodent models | | Standard | 10 mg per dose, 2–3× per week | Most cited tier in AMPK and insulin-sensitivity research | | High-dose pharmacology | 10 mg daily | Used in acute mitochondrial-biogenesis studies |

Doses are commonly reported by body weight in rodent studies (0.25–5 mg/kg); translational research has used flat-dose protocols at the tiers above.

Scheduling

Subcutaneous injection is the most-cited route. The peptide's metabolic effects (AMPK activation, glucose disposal) emerge over weeks rather than acutely, so research protocols typically run for 8–12 week observation windows rather than single-dose characterization.

Quality and Identity Verification

Mass-spec (LC-MS) confirmation of molecular weight (2174.6 Da) and HPLC purity ≥98% are the standard acceptance criteria. Endotoxin testing is required for parenteral animal models given the comparatively large doses used.

Research Use Only. All content is for laboratory research and educational reference. Compounds discussed are not intended for human or veterinary consumption, prophylactic, or therapeutic use.

References

1. Lee C, Zeng J, Drew BG, et al. The mitochondrial-derived peptide MOTS-c promotes metabolic homeostasis and reduces obesity and insulin resistance. Cell Metab. 2015;21(3):443–454.
2. Kim SJ, Mehta HH, Wan J, et al. Mitochondrial peptides modulate mitochondrial function during cellular senescence. Aging (Albany NY). 2018;10(6):1239–1256.
3. Reynolds JC, Lai RW, Woodhead JST, et al. MOTS-c is an exercise-induced mitochondrial-encoded regulator of age-dependent physical decline and muscle homeostasis. Nat Commun. 2021;12(1):470.