MOTS-c
A mitochondrial-derived peptide encoded within mitochondrial DNA that functions as a cellular exercise mimetic, activating AMPK pathways to enhance cellular energy balance and metabolic resilience.
A mitochondrial-derived peptide encoded within mitochondrial DNA that functions as a cellular exercise mimetic, activating AMPK pathways to enhance cellular energy balance and metabolic resilience.
MOTS-c translocates to the nucleus under metabolic stress, where it activates AMPK and regulates the folate cycle and de novo purine synthesis. It enhances mitochondrial function and improves insulin sensitivity by increasing glucose uptake in skeletal muscle. Its antioxidant gene regulation reduces oxidative stress, offering a molecular bridge between physical activity and metabolic health.
- [1]Lee C, et al. (2015). The mitochondrial-derived peptide MOTS-c promotes metabolic homeostasis and reduces obesity and insulin resistance. Cell Metabolism, 21(3):443-454.
- [2]Reynolds JC, et al. (2021). MOTS-c is an exercise-induced mitochondrial-encoded regulator of age-dependent physical decline and muscle homeostasis. Nature Communications, 12(1):470.
- [3]Kim KH, et al. (2018). Mitochondria-derived peptide MOTS-c: a biosynthetic metabolic regulator. Journal of Physiology, 596(7):1127-1139.
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