MOTS-c is a 16-amino-acid peptide encoded within the mitochondrial 12S rRNA gene (MT-RNR1), first reported by Lee et al. in 2015. Published research is mostly in cells and mice, where it has been studied in relation to metabolic homeostasis, obesity and insulin resistance.
Class
mitochondrial-derived peptide
Type
peptide, 16 residues
Also known as
Mitochondrial open reading frame of the 12S rRNA-c, Mitochondria-derived peptide MOTS-c
2015: Lee C, et al. The mitochondrial-derived peptide MOTS-c promotes metabolic homeostasis and reduces obesity and insulin resistance. Cell Metabolism 21(3):443–454.
Regulatory status
Not approved as a medicine; prohibited in sport by WADA. In July 2026 an FDA advisory committee voted to recommend adding it to the 503A bulks list; that vote is non-binding and was pending FDA action.
This sheet describes a molecule and the published research on it. It is not advice about use, and SHLabz products are not for human or veterinary use.
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