MOTS-c vs Growth Hormone
Head-to-head comparison of MOTS-c and Growth Hormone for research applications. Both peptides are studied for various research applications, but they differ significantly in mechanism and evidence level.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Attribute | Mots C | Growth Hormone |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Metabolic / Mitochondrial | Hormone |
| Mechanism | MOTS-c activates AMPK by inhibiting the folate cycle, causing accumulation of AICAR (an AMP analog). | Growth hormone binds to the GH receptor (GHR), a type I cytokine receptor, activating the JAK2-STAT5 signaling pathway. |
| Evidence Rating | D — Preclinical | A — FDA Approved |
| Clinical Status | Research-only / No human clinical trials completed (Phase 1 of analog CB4211 only) | FDA-approved for multiple indications. First approved in 1985 (recombinant form). |
| Safety Profile | No adverse effects reported in preclinical animal studies; Human tolerability is completely unknown for native MOTS-c (no completed human trials) | Metabolic: glucose intolerance, insulin resistance (dose-dependent), potential progression to type 2 diabetes; Fluid retention: peripheral edema, especially at treatment initiation |
| Molecular Weight | ~2174.6 g/mol | ~22,124 g/mol |
| Half-Life | Several hours; tissue effects may persist longer | ~20-30 min (endogenous IV); SC injection effective duration ~12-16 hours |
Overview
MOTS-c and Growth Hormone are both research peptides studied across multiple applications. This comparison examines their mechanisms, evidence base, and safety profiles to help researchers understand the key differences and overlaps.
MOTS-c — Mechanism & Evidence
MOTS-c (Mitochondrial Open Reading Frame of the 12S rRNA-c) is a 16-amino-acid mitochondrial-derived peptide (MDP) encoded within the mitochondrial 12S rRNA gene (MT-RNR1). Discovered in 2015 by Lee et al. at USC, it acts as a metabolic regulator primarily through AMPK activation. In mouse models, MOTS-c prevents diet-induced obesity and insulin resistance, enhances exercise capacity (old mice ran 2x longer on treadmill tests), and reduces age-related metabolic decline. A modified analog (CB4211) showed good tolerability in a Phase 1 human trial. No clinical trials of native MOTS-c in humans have been completed.
Key claims: Improves insulin sensitivity and glucose metabolism; Exercise mimetic effects; Anti-obesity effects.
MOTS-C 10mg
10mg
Growth Hormone — Mechanism & Evidence
Human growth hormone (hGH, somatotropin) is a 191-amino acid protein produced by the anterior pituitary gland. It is one of the most extensively studied hormones in medicine.
Key claims: Treats growth hormone deficiency in children; Treats adult growth hormone deficiency; Anti-aging effects.
Shared Research Applications
These peptides target different research areas. MOTS-c focuses on Metabolic Health, Anti-Aging, while Growth Hormone targets GH Deficiency Treatment, Pediatric Growth Disorders, Reference.
Safety Considerations
MOTS-c: No adverse effects reported in preclinical animal studies Human tolerability is completely unknown for native MOTS-c (no completed human trials) Modified analog CB4211 showed good tolerability in Phase 1
Growth Hormone: Metabolic: glucose intolerance, insulin resistance (dose-dependent), potential progression to type 2 diabetes Fluid retention: peripheral edema, especially at treatment initiation Rare but serious: intracranial hypertension (pseudotumor cerebri), slipped capital femoral epiphysis (in pediatric patients), pancreatitis
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Quality Documentation
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Product cards on this page link to current catalog entries and available quality documentation.
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