Newest Mots-C study

NEW MOTS-c Study | University of Copenhagen

Published in Free Radical Biology and Medicine, researchers ran both transgenic mouse experiments and a human exercise trial to examine what MOTS-c actually does inside mitochondria — not just systemic metabolic effects.

Key findings:

• MOTS-c improved mitochondrial bioenergetic performance via PGC-1α and AMPK pathways

• Effects occurred WITHOUT increasing mitochondrial protein content — meaning it makes existing mitochondria run more efficiently, not just builds more

• Significantly reduced mitochondrial ROS emission and oxidative stress/protein damage

• RNA-seq data showed improvements across redox handling, mitochondrial integrity, and OXPHOS efficiency

Human component: Elevated interstitial MOTS-c during exercise showed no arterio-venous difference in skeletal muscle — suggesting muscle may NOT be the primary source of circulating MOTS-c during exercise.

Bottom line: MOTS-c appears to optimize mitochondrial quality and efficiency from the inside out, with meaningful antioxidant effects. Research purposes only.

📄 PubMed: 41520850