Source comparison
MOTS-c and NAD+: Comparison Table
Molecular Class 16-amino-acid peptide encoded by mitochondrial genome Dinucleotide coenzyme composed of nicotinamide, adenine, ribose, phosphate MOTS-c is a gene product; NAD+ is a metabolite. Structurally unrelated Primary Function Retrograde signalling from
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- Molecular Class
- 16-amino-acid peptide encoded by mitochondrial genome
- Dinucleotide coenzyme composed of nicotinamide, adenine, ribose, phosphate
- MOTS-c is a gene product; NAD+ is a metabolite. Structurally unrelated
- Primary Function
- Retrograde signalling from mitochondria to nucleus; regulates metabolic gene transcription
- Electron carrier in redox reactions; substrate for sirtuins and PARPs
- MOTS-c adjusts the program; NAD+ executes the chemistry
- Mechanism of Action
- Translocates to nucleus during metabolic stress; binds DNA to upregulate folate cycle and AMPK pathways
- Accepts electrons during glycolysis and TCA cycle; donates electrons to electron transport chain
- MOTS-c acts hormonally; NAD+ acts stoichiometrically
- Age-Related Decline
- Approximately 40% reduction in skeletal muscle between ages 30–70
- Approximately 50% reduction across tissues between ages 30–70
- Both decline, but via different mechanisms. MOTS-c via reduced mitochondrial transcription, NAD+ via increased consumption
- Supplementation Strategy
- Direct synthetic peptide administration required
- Precursor supplementation (NR, NMN) or direct NAD+ IV infusion
- MOTS-c requires exogenous peptide; NAD+ can be restored via biosynthetic precursors
- Half-Life
- 4–6 hours in plasma
- NAD+ itself is not circulating. Intracellular pools turn over in hours depending on metabolic demand
- MOTS-c circulates; NAD+ is compartmentalised intracellularly