MOTS-c vs Selank
A detailed comparison to help you understand the differences and choose the right peptide for your research goals.
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 →Selank
Selank is a synthetic peptide derived from the naturally occurring immunomodulatory peptide tuftsin. Developed in Russia for anxiety and cognitive enhancement.
Full details →Side-by-Side Comparison
| Aspect | MOTS-c | Selank |
|---|---|---|
| Dose Range | 5 mg–10 mg | 300 mcg–900 mcg |
| Frequency | Less than daily | 2x daily |
| Cycle Length | 8–12 weeks | 2–4 weeks |
| Route | subcutaneous | intranasal |
| Mechanism | 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. | Modulates the expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and affects serotonin and norepinephrine systems. Has immunomodulatory and anxiolytic properties. |
| Typical Dosage | Research protocols typically use 5-10mg administered subcutaneously several times per week. Optimal dosing not yet established. | Intranasal administration: 250-500mcg 2-3 times daily. Subcutaneous: 250-500mcg daily. |
| Administration | Subcutaneous injection. Often combined with exercise protocols as it enhances exercise capacity and metabolic adaptation. | Most commonly administered intranasally for cognitive effects. Can also be injected subcutaneously. |
| Side Effects | Limited human data. Animal studies show good tolerability. May affect energy levels and exercise performance. | Generally well-tolerated. Some users report mild fatigue or nasal irritation with intranasal use. |
| Best For |
Key Differences
Unique to MOTS-c:
Unique to Selank:
Key Studies
MOTS-c
- MOTS-c improves intrinsic muscle mitochondrial bioenergetic health and efficiency in a PGC-1α/AMPK-dependent manner.
Free radical biology & medicine, 2026
- MOTS-c attenuates lung ischemia-reperfusion injury via MYH9-Dependent nuclear translocation and transcriptional activation of antioxidant genes.
Redox biology, 2025
- MOTS-c: Magical Molecule for Diabetic Cardiomyopathy?
Cardiovascular drugs and therapy, 2025
Selank
- Selank, a Peptide Analog of Tuftsin, Attenuates Aversive Signs of Morphine Withdrawal in Rats.
Bulletin of experimental biology and medicine, 2022
- The Influence of Selank on the Level of Cytokines Under the Conditions of "Social" Stress.
Current reviews in clinical and experimental pharmacology, 2021
- Functional Connectomic Approach to Studying Selank and Semax Effects.
Doklady biological sciences : proceedings of the Academy of Sciences of the USSR, Biological sciences sections, 2020
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