MOTS-c made muscle cells produce more GLUT4 (a sugar transporter) and turned on AMPK (an energy sensor), two key players in how muscles use sugar.

MOTS-c injections made muscle cells more responsive to insulin by activating AMPK and increasing GLUT4, which helps move glucose into cells.

MOTS-c reduces visceral and hepatic fat and improves insulin sensitivity even on a high-fat diet by activating AMPK, the cellular energy sensor, which enhances glucose uptake, insulin signaling, and fuel efficiency.

When mice were given a daily shot of a peptide called MOTS-c, their bodies became better at using sugar for energy and responding to insulin, especially in their muscles.

MOTS-c activates AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), leading to improved glucose uptake, insulin sensitivity, and metabolic efficiency independent of growth hormone signaling.

Mice given MOTS-c burned more sugar for energy and produced more body heat—even though they didn’t move around more than the control mice.