MOTS-C

Animal research models have indicated multiple potential actions from MOTS-c peptide, including increased physical performance, regulated cellular and tissue metabolism, and myoblast adaptation. Research suggests that these actions may primarily depend on age and age-related changes in MOTS-c expression.

With increasing age, skeletal muscles tend to gain insulin resistance, leading to decreased glucose uptake. Upon peptide exposure, skeletal muscles may be stimulated with an improved response toward AMPK activation.

Research has suggested that the peptide may potentially leave the mitochondrial site, translocate to cellular nuclei, and possibly alter gene expression. More specifically, the peptide may interact with a broad range of genes, particularly those with antioxidant response elements (ARE), hinting at a potential regulatory relationship with stress-responsive transcription factors like NRF2.

MOTS-c peptide has been suggested to regulate the transforming growth factor beta (TGF-beta)/SMAD pathway, which may profoundly affect bone tissues. More specifically, MOTS-c's actions may involve the upregulation of TGF-β/Smad pathway-related genes, including TGF-β1, TGF-β2, and Smad7, suggesting a pivotal role of this pathway in MOTS-c mediated osteogenic differentiation.

The peptide has not been suggested by researchers to directly influence cardiac function; instead, researchers posit that the peptide exerts potential on the endothelial cells that line the blood vessels inside. These endothelial tissues are considered to affect blood pressure and clotting.

Research has suggested that the peptide may be associated with enhanced longevity on a cellular level. The peptide typically contains glutamate residue, but when this is replaced by lysine, the new compound may exert a functional change.