MOTS-c: The "Exercise in a Bottle" Peptide

MOTS-c is a novel peptide known as a mitochondrial-derived peptide. Unlike most other peptides, which are encoded in the cell's nuclear DNA, MOTS-c is encoded in the mitochondrial DNA. This makes it a unique signaling molecule that communicates the state of the mitochondria to the rest of the cell. It has gained the nickname "exercise in a bottle" because its effects closely mimic the metabolic benefits of physical exercise. MOTS-c plays a critical role in regulating metabolism, particularly by improving insulin sensitivity and enhancing glucose uptake into muscle tissue. As we age, mitochondrial function declines and insulin resistance increases, which are two of the primary drivers of a higher biological age. By improving mitochondrial efficiency and promoting healthy glucose metabolism, MOTS-c helps to restore a more youthful metabolic state, potentially improving endurance, aiding in fat loss, and protecting against age-related metabolic diseases.