CG Labz
Peptide Library / Longevity / Metabolic

MOTS-c

Mitochondrial-derived peptide

MOTS-c Research Protocol

Complete Research Guide 4 min read1 peer-reviewed references

Quickstart Overview

MOTS-c is a 16-amino-acid mitochondrial-derived peptide encoded within mitochondrial DNA. It regulates metabolic homeostasis — activating AMPK, improving insulin sensitivity and acting as an 'exercise mimetic' — and is a prominent target in longevity research.

Reconstitution
Add 2.0 mL bacteriostatic water to a 10 mg vial → 5 mg/mL
Literature Range
5–10 mg per administration
Measuring Reference
At 5 mg/mL: 10 mg = 2.0 mL = 200 units (split doses)
Frequency
2–3× weekly
Route (studies)
Subcutaneous
Cycle
4–8 weeks

Scientific Data

Molecular Formula
—
Molecular Weight
2174.6 Da
Sequence
MRWQEMGYIFYPRKLR
Sequence Length
16
CAS
Research compound
Peptide Family
Mitochondrial peptide
Half-life
Refer to published literature
Solubility
Bacteriostatic water, sterile saline
Storage
Lyophilized: -20°C. Reconstituted: 2–8°C, use within 2–4 weeks.
Appearance
White lyophilized powder
Standard: 10 mg vial · 2 mL diluent

Dosing & Reconstitution Guide

Interactive Reconstitution
Adjust vial size, diluent and target dose. Results update live.
Full Precision Calculator →
Concentration
5.00 mg/mL
Draw Volume
2.000 mL
Syringe Units
200.0 U
Doses / Vial
1

Units assume a U-100 insulin syringe (100 units = 1 mL). A mitochondrial-derived 'exercise mimetic'; often dosed before activity.

Frequency: 2–3× weekly

Reconstitution Steps

  1. 1Allow the lyophilized vial and bacteriostatic water to reach room temperature (~15 min).
  2. 2Swab both vial stoppers with a fresh 70% isopropyl alcohol pad and let them dry.
  3. 3Draw 2.0 mL of bacteriostatic water into a mixing syringe.
  4. 4Insert at an angle and let the water run slowly down the glass wall — never directly onto the powder.
  5. 5Gently swirl (do not shake) until the solution is completely clear.
  6. 6Label with date and concentration (mg/mL) and refrigerate at 2–8 °C immediately.

Supplies Needed

Planning example for a 8-week protocol at approximately 10000 mcg per day.

Peptide (10 mg vials)
Estimate vials from total mass: 10000 mcg/day × 56 days.
Bacteriostatic Water
One 10–30 mL vial typically covers a full cycle.
Insulin Syringes (U-100)
One per administration (29–31 G, 0.3–0.5 mL).
Alcohol Swabs
Two per administration (vial + site).
Sharps Container
Required for safe disposal.

Protocol Overview

Goal
Model mitochondrial AMPK/metabolic regulation.
Schedule
2–3× weekly, 4–8 weeks.
Dose Range
5–10 mg per dose.

Dosing Protocol

Standard
5–10 mg per administration
Frequency
2–3× weekly
Target
10 mg/dose typical
Cycle Length
4–8 weeks
Timing
Pre-exercise in some protocols
Route
Subcutaneous

Storage Instructions

Lyophilized
−20 °C long term (18–24 months); stable at room temperature for short transit.
Reconstituted
2–8 °C refrigerated; use within 4 weeks.
Light
Protect from direct light; keep in the original carton.
Freeze/Thaw
Avoid repeat freeze–thaw cycles after reconstitution.

Important Notes

  • A relatively large peptide dosed in milligrams, not micrograms.
  • Human efficacy data is still early.

How This Works

MOTS-c is translated from the mitochondrial 12S rRNA region and translocates to the nucleus under metabolic stress, where it regulates antioxidant and metabolic gene expression. It activates the AMPK energy-sensing pathway, enhances glucose utilisation and fatty-acid oxidation, improves insulin sensitivity, and in aged mice restored physical capacity — hence its 'exercise mimetic' reputation. Levels decline with age.

Potential Benefits & Side Effects

Reported in research
  • AMPK activation and improved metabolic flexibility
  • Enhanced insulin sensitivity and glucose handling
  • Increased exercise capacity in aged animal models
  • Antioxidant/stress-resilience gene regulation
Possible considerations
  • Injection-site reactions
  • Limited human data
  • Possible transient fatigue
  • Long-term safety not established

Lifestyle Factors

  • Adequate hydration and 7–9 h of sleep are standard controls in most research protocols.
  • Consistent dose timing improves the reliability of any self-tracked endpoints.
  • Maintain a clean, sterile workflow for every draw to avoid contamination.

Injection Technique

  1. 1Wash hands, then prep the vial top and the target site with separate alcohol swabs.
  2. 2Pinch a subcutaneous skin fold (abdomen, ~2 inches from the navel) and insert at 45–90°.
  3. 3Depress the plunger slowly over 3–5 seconds, hold 5 seconds, then withdraw.
  4. 4Rotate sites each administration and dispose of the syringe in a sharps container.

Frequently Asked Questions

Third-party HPLC testing

CG Labz Verified Batches

No published batches yet.

Research Disclaimer

All compounds are supplied strictly for laboratory research. Dosing figures below summarize ranges reported in published preclinical and clinical literature for reference purposes only. CG Labz does not provide medical advice or individualized dosing recommendations.

Peer-reviewed literature

References

  1. [1] Cell Metabolism
    Lee C. et al. The mitochondrial-derived peptide MOTS-c promotes metabolic homeostasis.
    View Source