MOTS-c

Advanced science (Weinheim, Baden-Wurttemberg, Germany) · 2024

Researchers found that a peptide called MOTS-c, which is linked to mitochondrial function, is reduced in ovarian cancer patients and is associated with worse outcomes. The study observed that MOTS-c can inhibit the growth and spread of ovarian cancer cells in laboratory settings and may work by promoting the degradation of a protein involved in cancer progression.

• MOTS-c levels are lower in ovarian cancer patients and correlate with poor prognosis.
• Exogenous MOTS-c inhibits ovarian cancer cell growth, migration, and invasion.
• MOTS-c promotes the degradation of the LARS1 protein, which is linked to cancer development.

Gut · 2024

Researchers found that a peptide called MOTS-c plays a significant role in combating hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection by improving mitochondrial function. This study observed that MOTS-c levels can help distinguish between healthy individuals and those with chronic hepatitis B, suggesting its potential as a biomarker and therapeutic target.

• MOTS-c levels were significantly lower in patients with HBV infection compared to healthy individuals, indicating its potential as a diagnostic marker.
• The peptide demonstrated a 50-70% inhibition rate of HBV replication while improving liver function without notable toxicity.
• MOTS-c was found to enhance mitochondrial biogenesis and activate antiviral signaling pathways, contributing to its protective effects against HBV.

Metabolites · 2023

Researchers found that a newly identified peptide called MOTS-c, derived from mitochondria, may help prevent metabolic disorders by improving insulin sensitivity, supporting muscle and bone health, and enhancing immune function. This study reviews how MOTS-c influences various genes and pathways related to metabolism, with the potential for future diagnostic and treatment options.

• MOTS-c can reduce insulin resistance and prevent obesity.
• It plays a role in improving muscle function and promoting bone metabolism.
• MOTS-c activates specific signaling pathways that regulate important metabolic genes.

Frontiers in physiology · 2023

Researchers studied MOTS-c, a peptide that plays a crucial role in bone health. They found that MOTS-c encourages the growth and mineralization of bone-forming cells while inhibiting bone-resorbing cells. Additionally, exercise appears to increase MOTS-c levels, although the exact mechanisms are still being explored.

• MOTS-c promotes the growth and mineralization of osteoblasts, the cells responsible for bone formation.
• MOTS-c inhibits the production of osteoclasts, which are cells that break down bone.
• Exercise increases the levels of MOTS-c, suggesting a link between physical activity and bone health.

Diabetes & metabolism journal · 2022

Researchers reviewed how low levels of mitochondrial stress, known as mitohormesis, can positively impact health, especially during exercise. They found that a mitochondrial peptide called MOTS-c increases during exercise and helps improve muscle performance and metabolism, contributing to the benefits of physical activity.

• Researchers observed that MOTS-c levels rise in muscles and circulation during exercise.
• The study found that MOTS-c enhances exercise performance by improving muscle stress responses.
• Researchers noted that MOTS-c stimulates fat burning in white adipose tissue, supporting weight management.

Pharmacological research · 2022

Researchers found that a peptide called MOTS-c may help alleviate symptoms of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) in a mouse model. This study observed improvements in blood sugar levels and insulin sensitivity, suggesting that MOTS-c could be a promising approach for managing GDM during pregnancy.

• MOTS-c significantly reduced high blood sugar levels and improved insulin sensitivity in mice with GDM.
• The peptide also enhanced glucose tolerance and reduced adverse reproductive outcomes, such as lower birth weights and offspring mortality.
• MOTS-c was shown to protect pancreatic cells from damage caused by a diabetes-inducing treatment.

American journal of physiology. Endocrinology and metabolism · 2021

Researchers observed that MOTS-c, a peptide linked to metabolism, may help reduce levels of myostatin, a protein that contributes to muscle loss. This study found that higher MOTS-c levels in humans were associated with lower myostatin levels, suggesting that MOTS-c could play a role in preventing muscle atrophy related to obesity and insulin resistance.

• Researchers found that plasma MOTS-c levels are inversely correlated with myostatin levels in humans.
• The study demonstrated that MOTS-c can prevent muscle atrophy in laboratory muscle cells and reduce myostatin levels in obese mice.
• MOTS-c was shown to enhance a signaling pathway that inhibits myostatin, indicating its potential role in combating muscle wasting.

BioEssays : news and reviews in molecular, cellular and developmental biology · 2019

Researchers studied how mitochondria, known for energy production, communicate with the nucleus, which contains our genetic information. They found that a mitochondrial peptide called MOTS-c can move to the nucleus during stress and help regulate gene expression, suggesting a complex interaction between these two parts of the cell that is essential for maintaining cellular health.

• Researchers observed that mitochondria act as information hubs, influencing other cellular components.
• The peptide MOTS-c can relocate to the nucleus in response to metabolic stress.
• This study highlights the importance of collaboration between mitochondrial and nuclear genomes in regulating cellular functions.

Cell metabolism · 2018

Researchers found that a mitochondrial peptide called MOTS-c moves to the nucleus of cells during metabolic stress and helps regulate gene expression. This process involves the activation of certain proteins that respond to low glucose levels, indicating a complex communication between the mitochondria and the nucleus. The study highlights how these two parts of the cell work together to manage stress.

• MOTS-c, a peptide from the mitochondrial genome, can enter the nucleus and influence gene expression.
• This regulation occurs in response to metabolic stress, particularly during glucose restriction.
• MOTS-c interacts with specific transcription factors that help manage the cell's antioxidant response.

Cell metabolism · 2015

Researchers found that a peptide called MOTS-c, derived from mitochondrial DNA, plays a significant role in regulating metabolism and insulin sensitivity. In studies with mice, MOTS-c treatment helped prevent obesity and insulin resistance caused by aging and high-fat diets.

• MOTS-c is a 16-amino-acid peptide that influences metabolic health by targeting skeletal muscle.
• MOTS-c treatment in mice reduced insulin resistance associated with aging and high-fat diets.
• The study suggests that mitochondria may actively contribute to metabolic regulation through peptides encoded in their DNA.