MOTS-c modulates skeletal muscle function by directly binding and activating CK2

Summary

Mechanistic study identifying casein kinase 2 (CK2) as a direct binding partner of MOTS-c. WT MOTS-c prevents skeletal-muscle atrophy in mice and enhances muscle glucose uptake, while the natural K14Q variant fails to bind CK2 and is associated with elevated sarcopenia and T2D risk in male human variant carriers.

Limitations

Mouse model + cell-free enzyme assay; human data limited to variant-association observation, not intervention; sex-specific effects not fully explored.

Linked peptides

• MOTS-c