Product Usage: This PRODUCT IS INTENDED AS A RESEARCH CHEMICAL ONLY. This designation allows the use of research chemicals strictly for in vitro testing and laboratory experimentation only. All product information available on this website is for educational purposes only. Bodily introduction of any kind into humans or animals is strictly forbidden by law. This product should only be handled by licensed, qualified professionals. This product is not a drug, food, or cosmetic and may not be misbranded, misused, or mislabeled as a drug, food, or cosmetic.
MOTS-c, or mitochondrial open reading frame of the 12S rRNA type-c, is a mitochondrial-derived peptide that has been identified as a regulator of metabolic processes. Published research has examined MOTS-c in relation to metabolic homeostasis, muscle metabolism, exercise response, stress signaling, and aging.
Foundational research has described MOTS-c as a mitochondrial-derived peptide and investigated its biological activity in cellular and animal models. Subsequent studies have expanded research into its potential role in muscle and fat metabolism, exercise-related responses, and age-associated changes in physical function.
A manufactured MOTS-c research product should be distinguished from the endogenous peptide produced within the body. Research findings concerning naturally occurring MOTS-c do not automatically establish the effects of externally administered research material.
| Research area | Laboratory and animal findings | Human research |
|---|---|---|
| Endogenous exercise response | A study of 10 healthy young men found the body's own MOTS-c rose in muscle and blood after exercise | |
| Administered MOTS-c and metabolism | Cell and mouse studies report improved glucose handling, insulin sensitivity, and reduced high-fat-diet weight gain | A registered Phase 2a trial (MOTS-MET) is testing 12 weeks of subcutaneous MOTS-c against placebo in adults with prediabetes and overweight/obesity, using an oral glucose tolerance test as its primary measure |
| Physical capacity | Older mice receiving MOTS-c performed better on gait, grip, and running measures | Not yet tested in a controlled human physical-capacity study |
The human exercise-response finding and the mouse treatment studies answer different questions: one shows the body’s own MOTS-c responds to exercise, the other tests administered MOTS-c as an intervention, and one does not establish the other.
MOTS-c’s leading proposed mechanism involves AMPK, an enzyme that functions as a cellular energy sensor. Research indicates MOTS-c activates the AMPK pathway via the folate-AICAR pathway, shifting cells toward increased energy production and more efficient fuel utilization. Separately, under conditions of metabolic stress, research has shown that MOTS-c translocates into the cell nucleus and influences the expression of genes involved in antioxidant response and stress adaptation, a mitochondria-to-nucleus signaling pathway that is a distinguishing feature of its proposed biology.
No standardized dosing protocol exists for MOTS-c outside of individual study designs, and any research protocol, route, or dose is determined solely by the licensed researcher or practitioner and their institution.
The registered MOTS-MET human trial is studying subcutaneous administration over a 12-week protocol. This is a specific, closely monitored research design and does not establish a general research dose. This reflects historical and ongoing study design, not a recommended protocol.
For labs converting a professional’s own determined research dose into an accurate reconstitution volume, CellGenic’s calculator tool is open to any visitor, with no account required.
Semax is generally reported as well tolerated across its extensive Russian clinical-use history. Reported effects are mild, primarily nasal irritation with intranasal use. Long-term human safety data outside the Russian clinical research record remain limited. Researchers should establish baseline laboratory values before and during any protocol.
Every CellGenic lot is manufactured under cGMP conditions and undergoes mycoplasma, sterility, identity, and potency testing prior to release. Certificates of Analysis are issued per batch and can be retrieved directly using your batch number.
CellGenic supplies two related research formulations: standard Semax as a nasal spray and N-Acetyl Semax as a lyophilized vial for reconstitution. The acetyl modification on N-Acetyl Semax is studied for altering the peptide’s stability and clearance profile relative to standard Semax. Which form is relevant to a given research protocol depends on the study design and route being investigated.
These products are intended for laboratory research use only. They are not drugs, foods, cosmetics, or medical treatments and must not be used for any form of human or animal administration. All information provided is for educational and scientific reference only and the products should be handled exclusively by licensed, qualified professionals. Misbranding, misuse, or mislabeling of these products as therapeutic or consumable substances is strictly prohibited by law.
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