MOTS-C research in Canada investigates the metabolic regulatory and aging-related properties of this mitochondrial-derived peptide. MOTS-C (Mitochondrial Open Reading Frame of the 12S rRNA type-c) is a 16-amino acid peptide encoded within the 12S rRNA gene of the mitochondrial genome, making it one of the first identified mitochondrial-encoded short peptides alongside humanin and the SHLP family. Canadian metabolism and aging researchers study MOTS-C for its ability to activate AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) in skeletal muscle and regulate glucose metabolism, exercise adaptation, and aging biology.
AMPK Activation and Glucose Research
MOTS-C enters the cell nucleus and regulates the integrated stress response (ISR), activating AMPK signalling indirectly through mitochondrial stress sensing. In skeletal muscle research models, MOTS-C increases GLUT4 translocation and glucose uptake in an AMPK-dependent manner, mimicking some aspects of exercise signalling. Canadian metabolic disease researchers study MOTS-C to understand how mitochondria-to-nucleus communication regulates glucose homeostasis at the peptide level.
Exercise Biology and Aging Research
MOTS-C circulates in blood and increases with exercise in human and animal studies. Canadian exercise biology researchers study how MOTS-C mediates some of exercise’s metabolic benefits, including improved insulin sensitivity and mitochondrial efficiency. Aging research investigates how declining MOTS-C production contributes to age-related metabolic dysfunction.
Sourcing MOTS-C in Canada
Research-grade MOTS-C is available from EhBuddy Peptides in Canada. Lab-tested for purity. For laboratory research use only.
MOTS-C is a groundbreaking mitochondrial peptide in Canadian metabolic research, revealing how mitochondria actively regulate whole-body metabolism through peptide signalling.

