MOTS-c Research Guide
MOTS-c complete guide: mitochondrial mechanism, dosing schedules and metabolic-health protocols.
A mitochondrial-derived peptide
MOTS-c is encoded in mitochondrial DNA rather than the nuclear genome. It signals to the nucleus during metabolic stress and activates AMPK, the same pathway exercise and metformin act on, which is why research focuses on insulin sensitivity and exercise capacity.
Dosing patterns
Common research dosing is 5–10 mg subcutaneously two to three times weekly, often front-loaded during the first weeks. Some protocols use daily 2.5–5 mg for short blocks instead.
Timing around training
Because MOTS-c acts through AMPK, many protocols inject on training days or in the morning to align with activity rather than dosing before bed.
Cycling
Four to eight weeks on with a comparable break is typical. As with other metabolic peptides, pair it with tracked bodyweight and fasting-glucose data so the effect is measurable rather than inferred.
Frequently asked questions
How often should MOTS-c be injected?
Two to three times weekly at 5–10 mg is the most common research schedule.
Does MOTS-c need to be taken before training?
Not strictly, but many protocols align dosing with training days because the peptide acts on the AMPK pathway.
Is MOTS-c a growth hormone peptide?
No. It is a mitochondrial-derived peptide acting on metabolic signalling, not on the GH axis.