The Mitochondrial Hormone Everyone’s Talking About (MOTS-c)
In this short explanatory video, the presenter highlights the emerging interest in a mitochondrial-derived peptide called MOTS‑c (referred to as MOTC). He explains that beyond the nuclear genome, mitochondria contain a second genome that was long thought to encode only 13 proteins, but recent work has uncovered short open reading frames that produce hormone‑like signaling molecules, termed mitokines, including MOTS‑c. The peptide is evolutionarily conserved across mammals and is up‑regulated by exercise in humans. Pre‑clinical animal studies are cited showing that MOTS‑c administration leads to fat loss, higher energy expenditure, improved endurance performance, and even lifespan extension. The video notes a current, unregulated trend of individuals self‑injecting MOTS‑c to test its effects, and the presenter promises to follow up on those experiments. The overall tone is informal and enthusiastic, with a speculative stance on the peptide’s potential for fitness and health.
