MOTS-c is a mitochondrial-derived peptide known for its ability to combat symptoms of physical decline and aging as well as maintain homeostasis in muscle tissues. Mitochondria are directly involved in the age-induced decline of metabolic and physical health as they produce the bulk of energy in the body and by coordinating communication to the nucleus of the cell and various other organelles.

Mitochondria possess specific genomes that are encoded with 13 distinct protein-coding genes as well as various, recently discovered short open reading frames (sORFs). These sORFs are known to produce mitochondrial-driven peptides (MDPs), that adapt and aid in multiple different physiological functions. MOTS-c is an MDP that aids in improving metabolic homeostasis through AMPK and the regulation of nuclear gene expression following translocation. Expression of MOTS-c is highly age-dependent and the peptide is commonly referred to as a “mitochondrial hormone” due to its presence in skeletal muscle and circulating blood (https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-020-20790-0).

MOTS-c and Physical Performance

Given the previously stated information, researchers Reynolds et. Al conducted a study observing physical performance enhanced by MOTS-c in young (2 months), middle-aged (12 months), and old (22 months) mice. In addition to observing the physical performance of the mice, the researchers were looking for data on metabolic and proteostatic-related nuclear genes, the metabolism of skeletal muscles, and myoblast adaptation to stress.

Reynolds et. Al began the study by administering 5 mg/kg of body weight per day of MOTS-c to 12-week-old mice for 2 weeks. Rotarod tests confirmed that after a week, administration of MOTS-c was able to improve physical performance. This claim was further solidified by a treadmill running test. Since MOTS-c is also capable of improving metabolic homeostasis, the researchers took their study a step further and tested the running performance of young mice when placed under the dietary stress of a high-fat diet (60% of calories from fat).

These mice were given two different doses of MOTS-c, 5 or 15mg/kg/day. It was found that mice receiving higher doses of the peptide showed a significant improvement in both power output and running capacity after 10 days and improved skeletal muscle insulin sensitivity after 7 days. The treadmill test was increased to a sprint to test endurance and 100% of the mice receiving 15 mg/kg/day were able to pass the minimum rate of 23 m/min. Furthermore, NMR analyzers found that in young mice MOTS-c slowed down the fat gain and increased lean mass.

Both middle-aged and old mice were treated with 15 mg/kg/day for 2 weeks and then were made to complete a treadmill running test. In middle-aged and older mice it was found that there was a significant improvement in power output as well as distance for both groups. Additionally, older mice receiving doses of the peptide were submitted to the same sprint (23 m/min) test as the young mice and 17% of them passed the test, while 0% of the control group passed.

In addition to the testing of young, middle-aged, and old mice, the researcher also tested the efficiency of MOTS-c on mice in their end-of-life stages (24 months) to see the peptides’ effects on quality of life. It was found that 15mg/kg 3 times a week improved grip strength, 60-second walk times, and stride length. Overall Reynolds et. Al concluded that MOTS-c has the capability to significantly improve physical performance and capacity in all life stages (https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-020-20790-0).

Peptides Prefer the Cold

In order to reduce peptide breakdown, keep peptides refrigerated at all times but DO NOT FREEZE.
Swab the top of the vial with a 95% alcohol wipe before accessing.
Only Mix with Sterile Bacteriostatic Water
Bacteriostatic water is vital to preventing contamination and preserving the stability of the compound.
Push the needle through the stopper at an angle to direct the stream to the side of the vial.
Reconstituted peptide solution should be stored around 4 degrees Celsius but not frozen, while lyophilized peptide solution should be kept at -20 degrees Celsius.

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