MOTS-c (Mitochondrial Open Reading Frame of the 12S rRNA-c) is a 16-amino acid mitochondrial-derived peptide primarily studied as a metabolic regulator and potential therapeutic for age-related conditions. While MOTS-c is currently not FDA-approved for clinical use and is classified as a “research only” peptide, preclinical studies (mostly in mice) have highlighted its potential uses in targeting mitochondrial dysfunction.