In immobilized mice, higher levels of MOTS-c in the muscles were linked to better muscle mass retention.

Mice with higher levels of MOTS-c in their muscles tended to have more muscle mass after immobilization.

When mice had their legs immobilized for 8 days, giving them MOTS-c helped their muscles lose less weight (5% instead of 15%) compared to mice that didn't get the treatment.

MOTS-c lowered levels of myostatin, a protein that inhibits muscle growth, in the muscles of immobilized mice.

When mice had their legs immobilized for 8 days, giving them MOTS-c daily helped their muscles lose less weight—only 5% compared to 15% without treatment.

MOTS-c treatment reduced collagen buildup in the muscles of immobilized mice, which may help prevent stiffness.