Comparison
DSIP vs. MOTS-c
Two peptides side-by-side — identity, evidence base, legal status and known adverse events.
Identity
Category
Research other
Research other
CAS no.
62568-57-4
1627580-64-6
Molecular weight
848.81 g/mol
2174.61 g/mol
Half-life
0.1 h
no data
Sequence
Trp-Ala-Gly-Gly-Asp-Ala-Ser-Gly-GluMet-Arg-Trp-Gln-Glu-Met-Gly-Tyr-Ile-Phe-Tyr-Pro-Arg-Lys-Leu-ArgMechanism of action
DSIP
DSIP was described in 1977 by the Schoenenberger-Monnier group in Basel as a blood-borne substance reported to induce EEG changes similar to delta sleep in animal models. The exact mechanism remains undefined to this day: no defined receptor, proposed modulation of opioid, GABAergic and glutamatergic systems. Most mechanistic findings stem from preclinical studies of the 1980s and 1990s and were later subjected to contested replication attempts.
MOTS-c
MOTS-c arises from a short open reading frame located in the 12S rRNA region of the mitochondrial genome — unlike most peptides it is therefore not encoded by nuclear DNA. Mechanistically, preclinical work describes MOTS-c as modulating the folate cycle and the de novo purine biosynthesis tethered to it, thereby affecting the AMP/ATP ratio and, downstream, AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK). Under metabolic stress, an AMPK-dependent translocation of the peptide into the cell nucleus and involvement in the regulation of stress-responsive genes (including via antioxidant-response-element-regulated transcription factors) have also been reported. These models derive predominantly from cell culture and rodents; the extent to which they reflect human physiology after administration of exogenous synthetic MOTS-c is not established by human studies.
Evidence base
Highest evidence
Human trial
Human trial
Studies
4
4
of which in humans
1
1
Effects recorded
3
4
Open conflicts
1
1
Documented adverse events
1
1
Legal status
Full entries
Frequently asked questions
- What is the difference between DSIP and MOTS-c?
- DSIP is classified as "Research other", while MOTS-c is classified as "Research other". DSIP: Synthetic nonapeptide isolated in 1977 by Guido Monnier and Marcel Schoenenberger from the blood of rabbits in delta sleep. Despite the name, the role in sleep regulation is contested and not confirmed by Western RCTs in larger populations. MOTS-c: MOTS-c is a 16-amino-acid mitochondrial-encoded peptide (mitochondrial-derived peptide, MDP) whose open reading frame lies within the 12S rRNA region of mitochondrial DNA. In basic research (including the laboratories of Changhan Lee and Pinchas Cohen) it is described as a regulator of metabolic homeostasis and an activator of the AMPK pathway, and is sometimes discussed as an 'exercise mimetic'. The evidence comes almost entirely from cell and animal models; controlled human trials of MOTS-c as a therapeutic are lacking. It is not approved as a medicine anywhere and is traded on the grey market as a research chemical. This page contrasts both neutrally and source-based — with no usage or dosing recommendation.
- Which peptide is better supported by science, DSIP or MOTS-c?
- The highest available evidence level is "Human trial" for DSIP and "Human trial" for MOTS-c. A higher evidence level means more robust data, but says nothing about suitability for an individual. The full body of evidence is on each peptide's own page.
- What is the legal status of DSIP and MOTS-c in Germany and the United States?
- Germany: DSIP — Unapproved, MOTS-c — Unapproved. United States: DSIP — Unapproved, MOTS-c — Unapproved. These are factual summaries with source and review date on the individual pages.