Pinchas Cohen, M.D.
USC Leonard Davis School of Gerontology — Dean
Discovered MOTS-c (2015); established it as a mitochondrial-derived 'exerkine'.
MOTS-c is a 16-amino acid mitochondrial-derived peptide (MDP) encoded within mitochondrial DNA. Under metabolic stress it translocates to the cell nucleus, acting as a transcription factor regulating antioxidant response and energy metabolism. It activates AMPK, mimics several metabolic effects of exercise, and has demonstrated neuroprotective properties in animal models.
Mechanism of action
- Encoded within the mitochondrial 12S rRNA region; translocates to the nucleus under stress.
- Activates AMPK, increasing glucose uptake and metabolic flexibility.
- Regulates expression of antioxidant-response and metabolic-stress genes.
Research highlights
- Discovered by Pinchas Cohen and colleagues in 2015.
- Serum MOTS-c levels associate with muscle mass and physical performance in human studies.
- CohBar Inc. completed Phase Ia/Ib trial (NCT03998514) of synthetic analog CB4211.