MOTS-c primes adrenal cortex metabolism without directly driving steroidogenesis.

Blatkiewicz M, Kaminski K, Sobalska-Kwapis M, Szyszka M, Olechnowicz A, Jopek K, Rucinski M

Folia histochemica et cytobiologica11 Mar 2026

PMID41811086DOI10.5603/fhc.110668PepBankPUB-41811086

Publisher page PubMedAsk about this study

Summary

The text of this summary is not shown here, because the article license does not allow reuse. Read it at the source (opens in a new tab)

Text rights: Publisher copyright. Results still quote short attributed sentences.

Results from this study15

14 results from studies that gave the peptide. No result from this study comes from people.

01AnimalAnimal study (in vivo)Mechanism
In rats, 24 hours of MOTS‑c did not change expression of classical steroidogenic genes in adrenal tissue.
In plain wordsIn rats, MOTS‑c did not change the activity of classic hormone-making genes in the adrenal gland compared with saline.
Peptide
MOTS-c
Outcome
No significant changeClassical steroidogenic gene expression
Study
ratn = 16
Adult male Wistar rats
Comparator
Saline
Outcome group
Gene expression · Endocrine and hormones
Studied dose
0.1 μmol/24 h · subcutaneous · 24 hoursAs given in this study (rat).
Source sentences
Summary
MOTS-c treatment did not alter classical steroidogenic genes or circulating corticosterone and aldosterone levels.
2 context sentences(design, population, supporting numbers)
Summary · context
Adult male Wistar rats (n = 16) received continuous MOTS-c (0.1 μmol/24 h) or saline via subcutaneous micro-osmotic pumps for 24 hours.
Summary · context
Adrenal tissues were analyzed using qRT-PCR, immunohistochemistry, ELISA, and RNA-sequencing.
Report a problemFND-4181108602
02AnimalAnimal study (in vivo)Efficacy outcome
In rats, MOTS‑c did not change circulating corticosterone compared with saline.
In plain wordsIn rats, MOTS‑c did not change blood corticosterone compared with saline.
Peptide
MOTS-c
Outcome
No significant changeCirculating corticosterone
Study
ratn = 16
Adult male Wistar rats
Comparator
Saline
Outcome group
Stress hormones · Endocrine and hormones
Studied dose
0.1 μmol/24 h · subcutaneous · 24 hoursAs given in this study (rat).
Source sentences
Summary
MOTS-c treatment did not alter classical steroidogenic genes or circulating corticosterone and aldosterone levels.
2 context sentences(design, population, supporting numbers)
Summary · context
Adult male Wistar rats (n = 16) received continuous MOTS-c (0.1 μmol/24 h) or saline via subcutaneous micro-osmotic pumps for 24 hours.
Summary · context
Adrenal tissues were analyzed using qRT-PCR, immunohistochemistry, ELISA, and RNA-sequencing.
Report a problemFND-4181108603
03AnimalAnimal study (in vivo)Efficacy outcome
In rats, MOTS‑c did not change circulating aldosterone compared with saline.
In plain wordsIn rats, MOTS‑c did not change blood aldosterone compared with saline.
Peptide
MOTS-c
Outcome
No significant changeCirculating aldosterone
Study
ratn = 16
Adult male Wistar rats
Comparator
Saline
Outcome group
Stress hormones · Endocrine and hormones
Studied dose
0.1 μmol/24 h · subcutaneous · 24 hoursAs given in this study (rat).
Source sentences
Summary
MOTS-c treatment did not alter classical steroidogenic genes or circulating corticosterone and aldosterone levels.
2 context sentences(design, population, supporting numbers)
Summary · context
Adult male Wistar rats (n = 16) received continuous MOTS-c (0.1 μmol/24 h) or saline via subcutaneous micro-osmotic pumps for 24 hours.
Summary · context
Adrenal tissues were analyzed using qRT-PCR, immunohistochemistry, ELISA, and RNA-sequencing.
Report a problemFND-4181108604
04AnimalAnimal study (in vivo)Mechanism
In rat adrenal tissue, RNA sequencing identified differentially expressed genes after MOTS‑c treatment compared with saline.
In plain wordsIn rats, MOTS‑c changed the activity of some adrenal genes compared with saline.
Peptide
MOTS-c
Outcome
MixedNumber of differentially expressed adrenal genes
Study
ratn = 16
Adult male Wistar rats
Comparator
Saline
Outcome group
Gene expression · Endocrine and hormones
Studied dose
0.1 μmol/24 h · subcutaneous · 24 hoursAs given in this study (rat).
Measurements
Differentially expressed genes
39 genes
MOTS-c vs saline
Source sentences
Summary
RNA-seq identified 39 differentially expressed genes, notably upregulation of purinergic receptor P2ry4 (4.3-fold, P < 0.05) - a novel MOTS-C target enhancing calcium signaling.
2 context sentences(design, population, supporting numbers)
Summary · context
Adult male Wistar rats (n = 16) received continuous MOTS-c (0.1 μmol/24 h) or saline via subcutaneous micro-osmotic pumps for 24 hours.
Summary · context
Adrenal tissues were analyzed using qRT-PCR, immunohistochemistry, ELISA, and RNA-sequencing.
Report a problemFND-4181108605
05AnimalAnimal study (in vivo)Mechanism
In rat adrenal tissue, MOTS‑c upregulated the purinergic receptor gene P2ry4.
In plain wordsIn rats, MOTS‑c raised the activity of the P2ry4 gene in the adrenal gland.
Peptide
MOTS-c
Outcome
IncreaseP2ry4 expression
Study
ratn = 16
Adult male Wistar rats
Comparator
Saline
Outcome group
Gene expression · Endocrine and hormones
Studied dose
0.1 μmol/24 h · subcutaneous · 24 hoursAs given in this study (rat).
Measurements
P2ry4 fold change
4.3 fold
MOTS-c vs saline
Source sentences
Summary
RNA-seq identified 39 differentially expressed genes, notably upregulation of purinergic receptor P2ry4 (4.3-fold, P < 0.05) - a novel MOTS-C target enhancing calcium signaling.
2 context sentences(design, population, supporting numbers)
Summary · context
Adult male Wistar rats (n = 16) received continuous MOTS-c (0.1 μmol/24 h) or saline via subcutaneous micro-osmotic pumps for 24 hours.
Summary · context
Adrenal tissues were analyzed using qRT-PCR, immunohistochemistry, ELISA, and RNA-sequencing.
Report a problemFND-4181108606
06AnimalAnimal study (in vivo)Mechanism
In rat adrenal tissue, MOTS‑c upregulated Apoc4.
In plain wordsIn rats, MOTS‑c raised the activity of the Apoc4 gene in the adrenal gland.
Peptide
MOTS-c
Outcome
IncreaseApoc4 expression
Study
ratn = 16
Adult male Wistar rats
Comparator
Saline
Outcome group
Gene expression · Endocrine and hormones
Studied dose
0.1 μmol/24 h · subcutaneous · 24 hoursAs given in this study (rat).
Source sentences
Summary
Additional changes included upregulation of Apoc4 and downregulation of stress markers Bag3 and Smurf2, mitochondrial carrier Slc25a30, and peroxisomal factor Pex11a.
2 context sentences(design, population, supporting numbers)
Summary · context
Adult male Wistar rats (n = 16) received continuous MOTS-c (0.1 μmol/24 h) or saline via subcutaneous micro-osmotic pumps for 24 hours.
Summary · context
Adrenal tissues were analyzed using qRT-PCR, immunohistochemistry, ELISA, and RNA-sequencing.
Report a problemFND-4181108607
07AnimalAnimal study (in vivo)Mechanism
In rat adrenal tissue, MOTS‑c downregulated the stress marker Bag3.
In plain wordsIn rats, MOTS‑c lowered the activity of the Bag3 stress gene in the adrenal gland.
Peptide
MOTS-c
Outcome
DecreaseBag3 expression
Study
ratn = 16
Adult male Wistar rats
Comparator
Saline
Outcome group
Gene expression · Endocrine and hormones
Studied dose
0.1 μmol/24 h · subcutaneous · 24 hoursAs given in this study (rat).
Source sentences
Summary
Additional changes included upregulation of Apoc4 and downregulation of stress markers Bag3 and Smurf2, mitochondrial carrier Slc25a30, and peroxisomal factor Pex11a.
2 context sentences(design, population, supporting numbers)
Summary · context
Adult male Wistar rats (n = 16) received continuous MOTS-c (0.1 μmol/24 h) or saline via subcutaneous micro-osmotic pumps for 24 hours.
Summary · context
Adrenal tissues were analyzed using qRT-PCR, immunohistochemistry, ELISA, and RNA-sequencing.
Report a problemFND-4181108608
08AnimalAnimal study (in vivo)Mechanism
In rat adrenal tissue, MOTS‑c downregulated the stress marker Smurf2.
In plain wordsIn rats, MOTS‑c lowered the activity of the Smurf2 stress gene in the adrenal gland.
Peptide
MOTS-c
Outcome
DecreaseSmurf2 expression
Study
ratn = 16
Adult male Wistar rats
Comparator
Saline
Outcome group
Gene expression · Endocrine and hormones
Studied dose
0.1 μmol/24 h · subcutaneous · 24 hoursAs given in this study (rat).
Source sentences
Summary
Additional changes included upregulation of Apoc4 and downregulation of stress markers Bag3 and Smurf2, mitochondrial carrier Slc25a30, and peroxisomal factor Pex11a.
2 context sentences(design, population, supporting numbers)
Summary · context
Adult male Wistar rats (n = 16) received continuous MOTS-c (0.1 μmol/24 h) or saline via subcutaneous micro-osmotic pumps for 24 hours.
Summary · context
Adrenal tissues were analyzed using qRT-PCR, immunohistochemistry, ELISA, and RNA-sequencing.
Report a problemFND-4181108609
09AnimalAnimal study (in vivo)Mechanism
In rat adrenal tissue, MOTS‑c downregulated the mitochondrial carrier gene Slc25a30.
In plain wordsIn rats, MOTS‑c lowered the activity of the Slc25a30 gene in the adrenal gland.
Peptide
MOTS-c
Outcome
DecreaseSlc25a30 expression
Study
ratn = 16
Adult male Wistar rats
Comparator
Saline
Outcome group
Gene expression · Endocrine and hormones
Studied dose
0.1 μmol/24 h · subcutaneous · 24 hoursAs given in this study (rat).
Source sentences
Summary
Additional changes included upregulation of Apoc4 and downregulation of stress markers Bag3 and Smurf2, mitochondrial carrier Slc25a30, and peroxisomal factor Pex11a.
2 context sentences(design, population, supporting numbers)
Summary · context
Adult male Wistar rats (n = 16) received continuous MOTS-c (0.1 μmol/24 h) or saline via subcutaneous micro-osmotic pumps for 24 hours.
Summary · context
Adrenal tissues were analyzed using qRT-PCR, immunohistochemistry, ELISA, and RNA-sequencing.
Report a problemFND-4181108610
10AnimalAnimal study (in vivo)Mechanism
In rat adrenal tissue, MOTS‑c downregulated the peroxisomal factor Pex11a.
In plain wordsIn rats, MOTS‑c lowered the activity of the Pex11a gene in the adrenal gland.
Peptide
MOTS-c
Outcome
DecreasePex11a expression
Study
ratn = 16
Adult male Wistar rats
Comparator
Saline
Outcome group
Gene expression · Endocrine and hormones
Studied dose
0.1 μmol/24 h · subcutaneous · 24 hoursAs given in this study (rat).
Source sentences
Summary
Additional changes included upregulation of Apoc4 and downregulation of stress markers Bag3 and Smurf2, mitochondrial carrier Slc25a30, and peroxisomal factor Pex11a.
2 context sentences(design, population, supporting numbers)
Summary · context
Adult male Wistar rats (n = 16) received continuous MOTS-c (0.1 μmol/24 h) or saline via subcutaneous micro-osmotic pumps for 24 hours.
Summary · context
Adrenal tissues were analyzed using qRT-PCR, immunohistochemistry, ELISA, and RNA-sequencing.
Report a problemFND-4181108611
11AnimalAnimal study (in vivo)Mechanism
In rat adrenal tissue, gene set enrichment analysis showed that MOTS‑c inhibited the cAMP response pathway.
In plain wordsIn rats, gene analysis showed MOTS‑c lowered the cAMP response pathway in the adrenal gland.
Peptide
MOTS-c
Outcome
DecreasecAMP response pathway
Study
ratn = 16
Adult male Wistar rats
Comparator
Saline
Outcome group
Receptor activity and mechanism · Endocrine and hormones
Studied dose
0.1 μmol/24 h · subcutaneous · 24 hoursAs given in this study (rat).
Source sentences
Summary
Gene Set Enrichment Analysis revealed inhibition of cAMP response, mitophagy, and histone deacetylation pathways, alongside activation of cell proliferation, indicating metabolic reprogramming without steroidogenic activation.
2 context sentences(design, population, supporting numbers)
Summary · context
Adult male Wistar rats (n = 16) received continuous MOTS-c (0.1 μmol/24 h) or saline via subcutaneous micro-osmotic pumps for 24 hours.
Summary · context
Adrenal tissues were analyzed using qRT-PCR, immunohistochemistry, ELISA, and RNA-sequencing.
Report a problemFND-4181108612
12AnimalAnimal study (in vivo)Mechanism
In rat adrenal tissue, gene set enrichment analysis showed that MOTS‑c inhibited the mitophagy pathway.
In plain wordsIn rats, gene analysis showed MOTS‑c lowered the mitophagy pathway in the adrenal gland.
Peptide
MOTS-c
Outcome
DecreaseMitophagy pathway
Study
ratn = 16
Adult male Wistar rats
Comparator
Saline
Outcome group
Mitochondrial function · Endocrine and hormones
Studied dose
0.1 μmol/24 h · subcutaneous · 24 hoursAs given in this study (rat).
Source sentences
Summary
Gene Set Enrichment Analysis revealed inhibition of cAMP response, mitophagy, and histone deacetylation pathways, alongside activation of cell proliferation, indicating metabolic reprogramming without steroidogenic activation.
2 context sentences(design, population, supporting numbers)
Summary · context
Adult male Wistar rats (n = 16) received continuous MOTS-c (0.1 μmol/24 h) or saline via subcutaneous micro-osmotic pumps for 24 hours.
Summary · context
Adrenal tissues were analyzed using qRT-PCR, immunohistochemistry, ELISA, and RNA-sequencing.
Report a problemFND-4181108613
13AnimalAnimal study (in vivo)Mechanism
In rat adrenal tissue, gene set enrichment analysis showed that MOTS‑c inhibited the histone deacetylation pathway.
In plain wordsIn rats, gene analysis showed MOTS‑c lowered the histone deacetylation pathway in the adrenal gland.
Peptide
MOTS-c
Outcome
DecreaseHistone deacetylation pathway
Study
ratn = 16
Adult male Wistar rats
Comparator
Saline
Outcome group
Receptor activity and mechanism · Endocrine and hormones
Studied dose
0.1 μmol/24 h · subcutaneous · 24 hoursAs given in this study (rat).
Source sentences
Summary
Gene Set Enrichment Analysis revealed inhibition of cAMP response, mitophagy, and histone deacetylation pathways, alongside activation of cell proliferation, indicating metabolic reprogramming without steroidogenic activation.
2 context sentences(design, population, supporting numbers)
Summary · context
Adult male Wistar rats (n = 16) received continuous MOTS-c (0.1 μmol/24 h) or saline via subcutaneous micro-osmotic pumps for 24 hours.
Summary · context
Adrenal tissues were analyzed using qRT-PCR, immunohistochemistry, ELISA, and RNA-sequencing.
Report a problemFND-4181108614
14AnimalAnimal study (in vivo)Mechanism
In rat adrenal tissue, gene set enrichment analysis showed that MOTS‑c activated the cell proliferation pathway.
In plain wordsIn rats, gene analysis showed MOTS‑c raised the cell growth pathway in the adrenal gland.
Peptide
MOTS-c
Outcome
IncreaseCell proliferation pathway
Study
ratn = 16
Adult male Wistar rats
Comparator
Saline
Outcome group
Receptor activity and mechanism · Endocrine and hormones
Studied dose
0.1 μmol/24 h · subcutaneous · 24 hoursAs given in this study (rat).
Source sentences
Summary
Gene Set Enrichment Analysis revealed inhibition of cAMP response, mitophagy, and histone deacetylation pathways, alongside activation of cell proliferation, indicating metabolic reprogramming without steroidogenic activation.
2 context sentences(design, population, supporting numbers)
Summary · context
Adult male Wistar rats (n = 16) received continuous MOTS-c (0.1 μmol/24 h) or saline via subcutaneous micro-osmotic pumps for 24 hours.
Summary · context
Adrenal tissues were analyzed using qRT-PCR, immunohistochemistry, ELISA, and RNA-sequencing.
Report a problemFND-4181108615

Natural levels measured1

These results measure the body's own peptide. Nobody was given the peptide. They are not evidence about taking it. They are left out of key results, evidence counts and charts.

15AnimalEndogenous levelAnimal study (in vivo)Other
In rat adrenal cortex, the body's own MOTS‑c was expressed at higher levels in the zona fasciculata and reticularis than in the zona glomerulosa.
In plain wordsIn rats, the body's own MOTS‑c was higher in two inner layers of the adrenal cortex than in the outer layer.
Peptide
MOTS-c
Outcome
Not applicableMOTS-c expression across adrenal cortex zones
Study
ratn: not reported in source
Adult male Wistar rats
Outcome group
Mitochondrial function · Endocrine and hormones
Source sentences
Summary
MOTS-c showed significantly higher expression in ZF/ZR vs. ZG.
2 context sentences(design, population, supporting numbers)
Summary · context
Adult male Wistar rats (n = 16) received continuous MOTS-c (0.1 μmol/24 h) or saline via subcutaneous micro-osmotic pumps for 24 hours.
Summary · context
Adrenal tissues were analyzed using qRT-PCR, immunohistochemistry, ELISA, and RNA-sequencing.
This result measures the body's own MOTS-c. Nobody was given the peptide. It is not evidence about taking it.
Report a problemFND-4181108601

AI wrote and checked these results. AI can make mistakes, so check important results against the source.

Version history

PepBank keeps every version of the data on this study. Status changes from Retraction Watch, Europe PMC and Crossref are listed with their source.

Version 2Current
9 Oct 2026, 18:17 UTC
Study results updated
Version 1
9 Oct 2026, 02:47 UTC
First added · source update from Europe PMC

Subjects

Terms as the source lists them.

Publication types

Journal Article

MeSH terms

Keywords

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