MOTS-c studies
295 journal papers mention MOTS-c in the title or abstract. Here are the most cited, the latest, and a few facts about the literature.
Studies range from laboratory work to clinical trials. A paper listed here is not an endorsement and says nothing about whether MOTS-c is safe, effective or approved for any use.
- Papers
- 295
- 246 articles, 49 reviews
- Earliest paper
- 2015
- Most papers in 2026 (63)
- Open access
- 68%
- free to read somewhere
- Reviews
- 17%
- of all papers listed
What kind of studies
Of 263 papers in PubMed that mention MOTS-c in the title or abstract, by the study type PubMed records. Categories overlap, so they do not add up to the total.
- Randomized controlled trials4
- Other clinical trials1
- Meta-analyses and systematic reviews1
- Other reviews59
- Case reports0
- Animal studies only53
- Studies in humans153
Study types are tags assigned by publishers and PubMed indexers; very new papers are often not tagged yet, and a tag is not a quality rating. Retracted papers are excluded. Source: PubMed (NCBI).
Registered clinical studies
Studies on ClinicalTrials.gov that mention MOTS-c in their intervention details. A registration says a study is planned or running, not what it found.
- Registered
- 5
- Completed
- 0
- Ongoing or planned
- 4
- Phase 1
- 0
- Phase 2
- 1
- Phase 3
- 0
- Comparison of the Effects of General Anesthesia and Combined Spinal-Epidural Anesthesia on Ferroptosis, Humanin and MOTS-c Levels in Renal Transplantation
NCT07678073Recruitingstarted 2026-03-01
- MOTS-c for Improving Insulin Sensitivity in Adults With Prediabetes and Overweight/Obesity
NCT07505745RecruitingPhase 2started 2026-02-02
- The Cardiovascular Effect of GLP-1 Agonist, SGLT2 Inhibitor and Their Combination
NCT03878706Recruitingstarted 2017-11-03
- Cohort Of DEafness-gene Screening
NCT06133946Active, not recruitingstarted 2016-01-01
- Platelet Reactivity, B-amyloid, MOTS-c and Mortality of Type II Diabetics With CAD
NCT04027712Status unknownstarted 2014-01-01
The five most recently updated studies. See all 5 on ClinicalTrials.gov. Source: ClinicalTrials.gov (U.S. National Library of Medicine). Studies are found by the compound's name, so a few may be about something else.
Papers per year
2015 to 2026, peak 63 papers in a year. The latest year may still be incomplete.
Where it is published
- Free Radical Biology and Medicine8 papers
- Scientific Reports8 papers
- Frontiers in Endocrinology8 papers
- International Journal of Molecular Sciences6 papers
- European Journal of Pharmacology6 papers
The papers
Most citedName in the title
- The Mitochondrial-Derived Peptide MOTS-c Promotes Metabolic Homeostasis and Reduces Obesity and Insulin Resistance
Changhan David Lee, Jennifer Zeng, Brian G. Drew et al. · Cell Metabolism · 2015
Study in humansOpen access717 citationsRead the open copy →
- The Mitochondrial-Encoded Peptide MOTS-c Translocates to the Nucleus to Regulate Nuclear Gene Expression in Response to Metabolic Stress
Kyung Hwa Kim, Jyung Mean Son, Bérénice Anath Benayoun et al. · Cell Metabolism · 2018
Study in humansOpen access306 citationsRead the open copy →
- MOTS-c is an exercise-induced mitochondrial-encoded regulator of age-dependent physical decline and muscle homeostasis
Joseph C. Reynolds, Rochelle W. Lai, Jonathan S. T. Woodhead et al. · Nature Communications · 2021
Study in humansOpen access · CC BY199 citationsRead the open copy →
- MOTS-c: A novel mitochondrial-derived peptide regulating muscle and fat metabolism
Changhan David Lee, Kyung Hwa Kim, Pinchas Cohen · Free Radical Biology and Medicine · 2016
ReviewOpen access178 citationsRead the open copy →
- The mitochondrial‐derived peptide MOTS ‐c: a player in exceptional longevity?
Noriyuki Fuku, Hélios Pareja-Galeano, Hirofumi Zempo et al. · Aging Cell · 2015
Study in humansOpen access · CC BY98 citationsRead the open copy →
- Circulating MOTS-c levels are decreased in obese male children and adolescents and associated with insulin resistance
Caiqi Du, Cai Zhang, Wei Wu et al. · Pediatric Diabetes · 2018
Open access · CC BY-NC-ND91 citationsRead the open copy →
- MOTS-c interacts synergistically with exercise intervention to regulate PGC-1α expression, attenuate insulin resistance and enhance glucose metabolism in mice via AMPK signaling pathway
Boyu Yang, Qiongli Yu, Bo Chang et al. · Biochimica et Biophysica Acta (BBA) - Molecular Basis of Disease · 2021
Animal studyOpen access88 citationsRead the open copy →
- Reduced skeletal muscle expression of mitochondrial-derived peptides humanin and MOTS-C and Nrf2 in chronic kidney disease
Chang Liu, Eva‐Karin Gidlund, Anna Witasp et al. · American Journal of Physiology-Renal Physiology · 2019
Study in humansOpen access78 citationsRead the open copy →
- Mitochondria-derived peptide MOTS-c: effects and mechanisms related to stress, metabolism and aging
Wei Wan, Lieliang Zhang, Yue Lin et al. · Journal of Translational Medicine · 2023
ReviewOpen access · CC BY70 citationsRead the open copy →
- MOTS-c reduces myostatin and muscle atrophy signaling
Hiroshi Kumagai, Ana Raquel Coelho, Junxiang Wan et al. · American Journal of Physiology-Endocrinology and Metabolism · 2021
Study in humansOpen access67 citationsRead the open copy →
- The mitochondrial-derived peptide MOTS-c relieves hyperglycemia and insulin resistance in gestational diabetes mellitus
Yadong Yin, Yihui Pan, Jin He et al. · Pharmacological Research · 2021
Animal studyOpen access · CC BY-NC-ND65 citationsRead the open copy →
- The mitochondrial‐derived peptide MOTS‐c is a regulator of plasma metabolites and enhances insulin sensitivity
Su‐Jeong Kim, Brendan Miller, Hemal H. Mehta et al. · Physiological Reports · 2019
Animal studyOpen access · CC BY65 citationsRead the open copy →
- Mitochondrial-Derived Peptide MOTS-c Increases Adipose Thermogenic Activation to Promote Cold Adaptation
Huanyu Lu, Shan Tang, Chong Xue et al. · International Journal of Molecular Sciences · 2019
Animal studyOpen access · CC BY60 citationsRead the open copy →
- Mitochondrial-encoded MOTS-c prevents pancreatic islet destruction in autoimmune diabetes
Byung Soo Kong, Se Hee Min, Changhan David Lee et al. · Cell Reports · 2021
Study in humansOpen access · CC BY58 citationsRead the open copy →
- Adiponectin treatment improves insulin resistance in mice by regulating the expression of the mitochondrial-derived peptide MOTS-c and its response to exercise via APPL1–SIRT1–PGC-1α
Qi Guo, Bo Chang, Qiongli Yu et al. · Diabetologia · 2020
Animal studyOpen access57 citationsRead the open copy →
- Increased expression of the mitochondrial derived peptide, MOTS-c, in skeletal muscle of healthy aging men is associated with myofiber composition
Randall F. D’Souza, Jonathan S. T. Woodhead, Christopher P. Hedges et al. · Aging · 2020
Study in humansOpen access · CC BY55 citationsRead the open copy →
- Mitochondrial-Derived Peptide MOTS-c Attenuates Vascular Calcification and Secondary Myocardial Remodeling via Adenosine Monophosphate-Activated Protein Kinase Signaling Pathway
Ming Wei, Lu Gan, Zheng Liu et al. · Cardiorenal Medicine · 2019
Animal studyOpen access · CC BY-NC-ND52 citationsRead the open copy →
- A pro-diabetogenic mtDNA polymorphism in the mitochondrial-derived peptide, MOTS-c
Hirofumi Zempo, Su‐Jeong Kim, Noriyuki Fuku et al. · Aging · 2021
Study in humansOpen access50 citationsRead the open copy →
- MOTS-c: A promising mitochondrial-derived peptide for therapeutic exploitation
Yuejun Zheng, Zilin Wei, Tianhui Wang · Frontiers in Endocrinology · 2023
ReviewOpen access · CC BY46 citationsRead the open copy →
- MOTS‐c: A Mitochondrial‐Encoded Regulator of the Nucleus
Bérénice Anath Benayoun, Changhan David Lee · BioEssays · 2019
ReviewOpen access42 citationsRead the open copy →
- MOTS-c, the Most Recent Mitochondrial Derived Peptide in Human Aging and Age-Related Diseases
Zahra Mohtashami, Mithalesh Kumar Singh, Nasim Salimiaghdam et al. · International Journal of Molecular Sciences · 2022
ReviewOpen access · CC BY41 citationsRead the open copy →
- Lipids and insulin regulate mitochondrial‐derived peptide (MOTS‐c) in PCOS and healthy subjects
Manjunath Ramanjaneya, Jayakumar Jerobin, Ilham Bettahi et al. · Clinical Endocrinology · 2019
Study in humansOpen access38 citationsRead the open copy →
- MOTS-c and Exercise Restore Cardiac Function by Activating of NRG1-ErbB Signaling in Diabetic Rats
Shunchang Li, Manda Wang, Jiacheng Ma et al. · Frontiers in Endocrinology · 2022
Animal studyOpen access · CC BY36 citationsRead the open copy →
- Effect of aerobic and resistance exercise on the mitochondrial peptide MOTS-c in Hispanic and Non-Hispanic White breast cancer survivors
Christina Marie Dieli-Conwright, Nathalie Sami, Mary K. Norris et al. · Scientific Reports · 2021
Randomized trialOpen access · CC BY36 citationsRead the open copy →
- A possible role for mitochondrial-derived peptides humanin and MOTS-c in patients with Q fever fatigue syndrome and chronic fatigue syndrome
Ruud P. H. Raijmakers, Anne F.M. Jansen, Stephan P. Keijmel et al. · Journal of Translational Medicine · 2019
Study in humansOpen access · CC BY36 citationsRead the open copy →
- Mitochondrial derived peptide MOTS ‐c prevents the development of heart failure under pressure overload conditions in mice
Peng Zhong, Jianye Peng, Yewen Hu et al. · Journal of Cellular and Molecular Medicine · 2022
Animal studyOpen access · CC BY33 citationsRead the open copy →
- The mitochondrial signaling peptide MOTS-c improves myocardial performance during exercise training in rats
Jinghan Yuan, Manda Wang, Yanrong Pan et al. · Scientific Reports · 2021
Animal studyOpen access · CC BY30 citationsRead the open copy →
LatestName in title or abstract
- Mitochondrial-derived peptides: emerging therapeutic targets at the intersection of mitochondrial dysfunction and pain
Zhe Wang, Jinglei Liao, Ping Lu et al. · Frontiers in Pain Research · 2026
Open access · CC BYRead the open copy →
- Aerobic exercise induced skeletal muscle MOTS-c secretion: A novel therapy for MASLD via hepatic ACE2 regulation
Rui Li, Fangyu Li, Qi Chen et al. · Scientific Reports · 2026
Open access · CC BY-NC-NDRead the open copy →
- Integrative transcriptomic and computational analysis associates Ms4a6c+ macrophages with fibrosis in radiation proctitis and computationally nominates MOTS-c as a candidate modulator
Peng Wang, Wei Tao, Hong Wen et al. · Frontiers in Immunology · 2026
Study in humansOpen access · CC BYRead the open copy →
- Mitochondrial-derived peptide MOTS-c rescues vascular endothelial damage via PLA2G6 in diabetic retinopathy
Yinglin Liao, Jinjin Xiang, Ying Xia et al. · Cell Death Discovery · 2026
Open access · CC BYRead the open copy →
- MOTS-c: a context-dependent mitochondrial stress signal in homeostasis and tumor
Weina Kong, Yadong Yin, 赵淑华 et al. · Journal of Translational Medicine · 2026
Open access · CC BY-NC-NDRead the open copy →
- ATF5 promotes redox homeostasis and cancer progression through nuclear-mitochondrial collaboration in pancreatic cancer
Kuan Liu, Daixuan Cui, Cong Wang et al. · Cell Death and Disease · 2026
Open access · CC BYRead the open copy →
- Associations of Serum MOTS-c with Exercise Capacity and Antioxidant Markers in Young Males: A Cross-Sectional Study
Ziyi Zhang, Xiaonan Zhang, Chengchen Wang et al. · Antioxidants · 2026
Open access · CC BYRead the open copy →
- The mitochondrial-derived peptide MOTS-c improves bioenergetics in aging-associated granulosa cells and oocytes
Kuan‐Hao Tsui, Shih-Hsuan Cheng, Li-Te Lin et al. · Reproduction and Fertility · 2026
Study in humansOpen access · CC BYRead the open copy →
- Mitochondria-derived peptide hydrogel enhances mitochondrial transplantation and promotes cardiac repair through macrophage metabolic reprogramming
H Li, Y Zhang, X Pan et al. · European Heart Journal · 2026
Open accessRead the open copy →
- Mitochondria–Endoplasmic Reticulum Crosstalk in Pancreatic β-Cell Stress: A Driver of Diabetes
Sara Anjum Niinuma, Ashleigh Suzu-Nishio Takemoto, William Junior Khalil et al. · Cells · 2026
ReviewOpen access · CC BYRead the open copy →
- MOTS-c mediates remote ischemic preconditioning-induced protection against lung ischemia-reperfusion injury via NRF2-dependent mitochondrial biogenesis
Jiaojiao Sun, Bo Xu, Dandan Wang et al. · Chinese Medical Journal · 2026
Open access · CC BY-NC-NDRead the open copy →
- Exercise-induced skeletal muscle mitochondrial stress mediates systemic health adaptation via cell-nonautonomous signaling
Ziyi Zhang, Xiaonan Zhang, Mei Ma et al. · Sports Medicine and Health Science · 2026
Open access · CC BY-NC-NDRead the open copy →
- The peptide boom: a critical appraisal of evidence, patient safety risks, and regulatory failure in the experimental wellness peptide market
Giorgi Pkhakadze · Georgian Medical Journal · 2026
Open access · CC BYRead the open copy →
- Mitochondria-derived peptide hydrogel augments mitochondrial transplantation for promoting cardiac repair via macrophage metabolic reprogramming
Hang Li, Yushan Zhang, Yifan Jian et al. · Bioactive Materials · 2026
Open access · CC BYRead the open copy →
- Emerging regulators of human physiology and disease; sORF-encoded microproteins
Ayman M. Mustafa, Rebaz M. Ali, Sami S. Omar et al. · Epigenomics · 2026
ReviewOpen accessRead the open copy →
- Mitochondrial-Derived Peptides, Blood Glucose, and Glycated Hemoglobin Levels in Men with Type 2 Diabetes, Atherosclerosis, or Hypertension: A Cross-Sectional Study
Inass Majid Mozan, Zainab Abdul Jabbar Ridha AL-ALI, Redha Alwan Hasan · PERIÓDICO TCHÊ QUÍMICA · 2026
Open access · CC BYRead the open copy →
- Aerobic Exercise and MOTS-c Ameliorate Hepatic Oxidative Stress and Metabolic Disorder in Type 2 Diabetes via The NRF2/PPARγ Axis
Feilong Chen, Zhi-Yu LI, Tu-Tu WANG et al. · PROGRESS IN BIOCHEMISTRY AND BIOPHYSICS · 2026
Open access · CC BY-NCRead the open copy →
- P321- ECE_1361 - Reduced circulating and skeletal muscle MOTS-c expression in women with polycystic ovary syndrome: evidence for disrupted mitochondrial-derived peptide regulation
Irem Sonmezoglu Kutuk, Şenay Akın, Ali Haydar Demirel et al. · European Journal of Endocrinology · 2026
Open access · CC BY-NCRead the open copy →
- AGEs–RAGE Axis and Mitochondrial-Derived Peptides in Advanced Chronic Kidney Disease: Interconnected Pathways Beyond Inflammation and Nutrition
Mohamed E. Suliman, Awahan Rahman, Abdul Rashid Qureshi et al. · Antioxidants · 2026
Open access · CC BYRead the open copy →
- MOTS-c attenuates placental vascular endothelial cell apoptosis in intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy by inhibiting K33-linked deubiquitination of BACH1
Shengpeng Li, Ling Ai, Longlong Ge et al. · Cell Communication and Signaling · 2026
Study in humansOpen access · CC BY-NC-NDRead the open copy →
- Mitochondrial dysfunction in ARDS: unraveling the regulatory networks and therapeutic opportunities
Yuhuan Li, Miao Wang, Ke Wan et al. · Frontiers in Immunology · 2026
ReviewOpen access · CC BYRead the open copy →
- Regeneration of a refractory “non-existent” endometrium in severe Asherman’s syndrome using Hysteroscopic Adhesiolysis combined with sub-endometrial multimodal regenerative therapy: A case report
Pradeep Mahajan, Pallavi Lale, Bhagyashri Kakde et al. · International Journal of Contraception Gynaecology and Obstetrics · 2026
Open accessRead the open copy →
- Circulating mitochondrial‐derived microproteins at rest and in response to an acute bout of endurance exercise in individuals with cerebral palsy
Oscar Horwath, Linnéa Corell, Junxiang Wan et al. · Experimental Physiology · 2026
Study in humansOpen access · CC BYRead the open copy →
- Mitochondrial-derived peptide MOTS-c activates metabolic signaling but blunts reparative function in human mesenchymal stromal cells
Li Xing, Bo Lu, Xiangyang Zhu et al. · Inflammation and Regeneration · 2026
Open access · CC BY-NC-NDRead the open copy →
- Mitochondrial peptide MOTS‐c suppresses systemic and cardiac inflammasome activation in a diabetic rat model
Aimee Mills, Antonio de Souza, Toan Pham et al. · Experimental Physiology · 2026
Animal studyOpen access · CC BYRead the open copy →
- MOTS-c: How a secreted mitochondrial microprotein may become a potential treatment for inflammatory lung diseases
Carlos Antonio Amado Diago, Juan Agüero, Mayte García-Unzueta et al. · Journal of Translational Medicine · 2026
ReviewOpen access · CC BY-NC-NDRead the open copy →
- MOTS-c partially protects against skeletal muscle deterioration in C26 cachexia
Nicholas A. Jamnick, Patrick D. Livingston, Caleb J. Gammon et al. · Frontiers in Medicine · 2026
Open access · CC BY1 citationsRead the open copy →
- Reduced Circulating MOTS-c Levels in Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis Reflect Integrated Autoimmune and Metabolic Dysregulation: A Cross-Sectional Study
Hanişe Ozkan, Eda Nur Duran, Mürvet Algemi et al. · Journal of Clinical Medicine · 2026
Open access · CC BYRead the open copy →
- Elevated Serum Nardilysin Is Inversely Associated with Cardiovascular Disease in Kidney Transplant Recipients
Anna Sączek, Krzysztof Batko, Małgorzata Banaszkiewicz et al. · Kidney & Blood Pressure Research · 2026
Study in humansOpen access · CC BY-NCRead the open copy →
- Evaluation of MANF and MOTS-c Levels in Women With Gestational Diabetes Mellitus and Healthy Pregnant Women: A Prospective Cohort Study
Hatice ÇALIŞKAN BURGUCU, Ümmügülsüm Can, Mehmet Korkmaz et al. · Clinical and Experimental Obstetrics & Gynecology · 2026
Open access · CC BYRead the open copy →
Each list shows up to 40 papers.See all 295 on OpenAlex. Source: OpenAlex (CC0), journal articles and reviews with a DOI, retractions excluded, refreshed weekly, last 4 Nov 2026, 08:31 UTC. Papers are listed by their metadata only; follow the links to read them. A license shown on an open copy is the license the publisher or repository states for that copy.