MOTS-c: the mitochondrial peptide that mimics exercise
MOTS-c (Mitochondrial Open Reading Frame of the 12S rRNA type-c) is a 16-amino-acid micropeptide encoded by mitochondrial DNA—a major 2015 discovery that revolutionized our understanding of mitochondrial signaling. It activates the AMPK pathway, enhances insulin sensitivity, and produces exercise-like effects in preclinical models.
