MOTS-c Research: What 244 Studies Show (2026) | RetatrutideCompare

MOTS-c — 244 studies indexed on PubMed. Activates AMPK in skeletal muscle and adipose; translocates to the nucleus under stress to regulate adaptive nuclear gene expression. Half-life: ~3 hours (subcutaneous, native). FDA status: Not FDA-approved.

PubMed search-result count last fetched 2026-06-18. Records may include reviews, laboratory work, and animal studies; this is not a clinical trial count or a measure of efficacy.

Inspect the PubMed query and results

How many studies have been published on MOTS-c?

There are approximately 244 studies indexed on PubMed that mention MOTS-c (Mitochondrial Open Reading Frame of the 12S rRNA-c), based on a search last updated 2026-06-18.

Is MOTS-c FDA-approved?

FDA status: Not FDA-approved.

How does MOTS-c work?

Activates AMPK in skeletal muscle and adipose; translocates to the nucleus under stress to regulate adaptive nuclear gene expression.

Activates AMPK in skeletal muscle and adipose; translocates to the nucleus under stress to regulate adaptive nuclear gene expression.

Reference facts

Also known as
Mitochondrial Open Reading Frame of the 12S rRNA-c
Category
Mitochondrial & Cellular Longevity
Mechanism of action
Activates AMPK in skeletal muscle and adipose; translocates to the nucleus under stress to regulate adaptive nuclear gene expression.
Targets
AMPK pathway, Folate metabolism (AICAR pool)
Indications under research or approved
Research — type 2 diabetes, obesity, sarcopenia, exercise mimicry
Regulatory status (reference entry)
Not FDA-approved
Half-life
~3 hours (subcutaneous, native)
Sequence
MRWQEMGYIFYPRKLR
Sequence notes
16-residue mitochondrial-derived peptide encoded within the 12S rRNA gene of mtDNA.
Molecular weight (Da)
2174
First reported
2015
Origin
Discovered by Pinchas Cohen and colleagues at USC.

Primary References

Explore research articles about MOTS-c

This is an educational reference, not medical advice. Research findings do not establish safety or efficacy for self-administration. Consult the primary sources for study populations, limitations, and current regulatory status.