MOTS-c

16-amino-acid protein from mtDNA; metabolic regulator/exercise mimetic activating AMPK (energy sensor promoting glucose uptake/fat oxidation/mitochondrial biogenesis); influences CK2-PTEN-AKT-FOXO1 for muscle/metabolic effects. Levels rise with exercise/decline with age/obesity/T2D/metabolic stress; exogenous mimics/restores benefits for energy homeostasis/insulin sensitivity/resilience.