Trinity compound research profile
MOTS-c
A mitochondrial-derived peptide studied for metabolic signaling, cellular stress adaptation, and energy-homeostasis pathways.
Research overview
MOTS-c is a mitochondrial-derived peptide associated with signaling between mitochondria and the rest of the cell. Researchers study its relationship to metabolic regulation, cellular stress responses, glucose handling, and energy-homeostasis pathways.
The evidence base includes substantial preclinical work and developing human research. Trinity’s research portal is intended to keep those evidence levels clearly separated.
Human evidence summary
So far, there are no completed clinical trials in humans testing whether giving people MOTS-c actually treats anything — the human evidence is all "observational," meaning scientists just measured natural MOTS-c levels in different groups of people rather than giving it as a treatment. They found lower natural MOTS-c levels in obese teenage boys, people with type 2 diabetes, kidney disease, and heart blood vessel problems (Wan et al., J Transl Med 2023). Regulators have also stated they've found no human safety data for MOTS-c through any method of use (FDA).
Preclinical evidence summary
This is where the strongest evidence lies. In mice, MOTS-c prevented insulin resistance (a step toward diabetes) linked to both aging and a high-fat diet, and it prevented diet-induced obesity (Lee et al., Cell Metab 2015). In older mice, daily injections for 2 weeks improved physical performance, and in obese mice, a shorter treatment improved blood sugar and insulin measurements (UC eScholarship review).
Source material
Use the linked publications and records to evaluate study design, population, limitations, and relevance.