Detailed Explanation
16-amino-acid mitochondria-derived peptide (MDP) encoded within the mitochondrial 12S rRNA gene. Discovered in 2015 by Changhan David Lee's group at USC, MOTS-c regulates metabolic homeostasis by activating AMPK, improving insulin sensitivity, and promoting fatty acid oxidation.
It accumulates in skeletal muscle during exercise and has been called an 'exercise mimetic.' MOTS-c levels decline with age, which may contribute to age-related metabolic dysfunction. Along with humanin and SHLP peptides, MOTS-c established that the mitochondrial genome encodes bioactive peptides — a paradigm shift, as mitochondrial DNA was previously thought to encode only 13 proteins and structural RNAs.
Key Facts
- 16-amino-acid mitochondria-derived peptide (MDP) encoded within the mitochondrial 12S rRNA gene.
- Discovered in 2015 by Changhan David Lee's group at USC, MOTS-c regulates metabolic homeostasis by activating AMPK, improving insulin sensitivity, and promoting fatty acid oxidation.
- It accumulates in skeletal muscle during exercise and has been called an 'exercise mimetic.' MOTS-c levels decline with age, which may contribute to age-related metabolic dysfunction.
- Along with humanin and SHLP peptides, MOTS-c established that the mitochondrial genome encodes bioactive peptides — a paradigm shift, as mitochondrial DNA was previously thought to encode only 13 proteins and structural RNAs.
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