MOTS-c is a sixteen-amino-acid signal encoded in mitochondrial DNA, connecting cellular energy sensing with metabolism and physical performance.

CohBar dates its discovery to twenty twelve. Changhan Lee and Pinchas Cohen led the first published report in twenty fifteen at the University of Southern California in Los Angeles, United States.

By twenty twenty-six, that represents eleven years of published research. A modified candidate, C B four two one one, entered human testing in twenty eighteen.

Cell studies link MOTS-c to A M P K, an energy-sensing pathway. Under metabolic stress, it can enter the nucleus and regulate genes involved in cellular adaptation.

In mice, administered MOTS-c improved insulin sensitivity and reduced weight gain on a high-fat diet. In twenty twenty-one, treated older mice ran about twice as long as untreated mice.

Metabolic flexibility means switching between fat and carbohydrate fuels as energy demands change.

A twenty twenty-six registry describes a planned twelve-week trial in Shenzhen, China, in adults with prediabetes and excess weight. No results were posted when checked.

Human treatment benefits and long-term safety remain to be established.

Its research targets include insulin sensitivity, metabolic flexibility, muscle function and cellular stress adaptation.

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