MOTS-c (Mitochondria-derived peptide (MDP))

Introduction

MOTS-c is a mitochondrial-derived peptide described as a bioactive 16 amino acid peptide. This peptide is detected in circulation, so it is classified as a mitochondrial or metabolic hormone. It primarily targets fat and skeletal muscle.MOTS-c is a peptide encoded by the short open reading frame of the mitochondrial 12S rRNA gene. It is significantly expressed in response to stress or exercise and translocated to the nucleus, where it regulates the expression of stress adaptation-related genes with antioxidant response elements (ARE). MOTS-c mainly acts through the Folate-AICAR-AMPK pathway, thereby influencing energy metabolism, insulin resistance, inflammatory response, exercise, aging and aging-related pathologies. Because of the potential role of MOTS-c in maintaining energy and stress homeostasis to promote healthy aging, especially in view of the increasing aging of the global population, it is highly pertinent to summarize the relevant studies. This review summarizes the retrograde signaling of MOTS-c toward the nucleus, the regulation of energy metabolism, stress homeostasis, and aging-related pathological processes, as well as the underlying molecular mechanisms.

Research done on this peptide has shown beneficial effects in reducing diabetes and obesity while also enhancing performance and longevity. Why does this happen? MOTS-c assists proper mitochondrial function, and the mitochondria are the energy center of every cell in the human body. Research has shown that MOTS-c is an exercise-mimetic peptide, meaning it makes the body think it is exercising even when it is not.