MetabolicWADA Prohibited
MOTS-c
Synonyms: Mitochondrial Open Reading Frame of the 12S rRNA-c
Sequence: Met-Arg-Trp-Gln-Glu-Met-Gly-Tyr-Ile-Phe-Tyr-Pro-Arg-Lys-Leu-Arg
Critical Safety & Regulatory Notice
MOTS-c is classified as a regulated, unapproved, or research-only substance. Doping/Regulatory Status: Not FDA approved. Prohibited by WADA.. Clinical safety profiles for human use are deficient or not approved.
History & Discovery Timeline
MOTS-c was discovered in 2015 by Pinchas Cohen's lab at the USC Leonard Davis School of Gerontology during studies on mitochondrial-derived peptides.
What it is: MOTS-c is a 16-amino-acid peptide encoded by the mitochondrial genome rather than the nuclear genome. It is classified under the Metabolic category.
Proposed Mechanisms & Research Findings: It regulates metabolic homeostasis, primarily by activating the AMPK pathway, promoting fatty acid oxidation, and increasing glucose uptake in skeletal muscle. It mimics the effects of exercise.
Regulatory & Safety Status: It is not FDA approved. It remains in early preclinical stages of research. Sourcing gray-market injectable peptides exposes users to unsterile preparations and unverified dosing structures.
Athletic & Anti-Doping Status: WADA prohibits MOTS-c under Section S2 as a growth-hormone related substance or metabolic modulator. It is strictly banned in professional sports.
Understanding MOTS-c Key Facts
Primary Target System:NEUROENDOCRINE, IMMUNE
Residue Count / Length:16 Amino Acids
Primary Action & Category:Mitochondrial-Derived Peptide (MDP) (Metabolic)
Primary Receptors:AMPK binding domains, Mitochondrial Target Sites, Leukocyte Metabolic Receptors
Figure 1: Detailed molecular mechanism pathways of MOTS-c (click to enlarge).