Cellular and metabolic research
MOTS-c
Also known as Mitochondrial ORF of the 12S rRNA type-c
A peptide encoded in mitochondrial rather than nuclear DNA, studied in the context of cellular energy regulation.
What it is
MOTS-c is a mitochondrial-derived peptide, meaning its coding sequence sits in mitochondrial DNA rather than in the cell nucleus. That makes it part of a small and relatively recently characterised class of signalling peptides. It is 16 amino acids long.
What published research examines
- AMPK signalling, a pathway involved in cellular energy balance
- Mitochondrial function and cellular stress response
- Metabolic regulation in animal models
- Exercise physiology, where circulating levels have been measured before and after activity
Where the research stands
First described in 2015, MOTS-c belongs to a recently characterised class of mitochondrial-derived peptides. Research to date is concentrated in cell and animal models.