Follistatin vs MOTS-c
A detailed comparison to help you understand the differences and choose the right peptide for your research goals.
Follistatin
Follistatin is a glycoprotein that inhibits myostatin, the protein responsible for limiting muscle growth. By blocking myostatin, follistatin can theoretically allow for increased muscle development beyond natural limits.
Full details →MOTS-c
MOTS-c (Mitochondrial Open Reading Frame of the Twelve S rRNA type-c) is a mitochondrial-derived peptide that plays a key role in metabolic regulation and has emerged as a significant longevity research target.
Full details →Side-by-Side Comparison
| Aspect | Follistatin | MOTS-c |
|---|---|---|
| Mechanism | Binds to and neutralizes myostatin and activin, both of which are negative regulators of muscle mass. This removes the natural brake on muscle growth, allowing for enhanced hypertrophy. | Activates AMPK pathway, enhances glucose uptake in skeletal muscle, improves insulin sensitivity, and regulates mitochondrial function. Acts as a metabolic hormone affecting whole-body energy homeostasis. |
| Typical Dosage | Research protocols typically use 100-300mcg daily, though optimal dosing is not well established. Gene therapy approaches have also been studied. | Research protocols typically use 5-10mg administered subcutaneously several times per week. Optimal dosing not yet established. |
| Administration | Subcutaneous injection. Different isoforms exist (FS344, FS315) with varying properties. Requires careful sourcing due to complexity. | Subcutaneous injection. Often combined with exercise protocols as it enhances exercise capacity and metabolic adaptation. |
| Side Effects | Limited human data. Theoretical concerns about effects on other organs where activin signaling is important. | Limited human data. Animal studies show good tolerability. May affect energy levels and exercise performance. |
| Best For |
What They Have in Common
Both Follistatin and MOTS-c are commonly used for: