MOTS-C (Mitochondrial-Derived Peptide)
MOTS-C is a peptide studied for its role in cellular metabolism and mitochondrial function. Research suggests it may influence energy regulation, insulin sensitivity, and metabolic balance in laboratory settings. Ongoing studies continue to explore its potential applications in metabolic research.
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Research Context
MOTS-C (mitochondrial open reading frame of the 12S rRNA-c) is a 16-amino-acid peptide encoded within the mitochondrial genome, in the 12S rRNA region. It belongs to a class of signaling molecules known as mitochondrial-derived peptides (MDPs), which are encoded by short open reading frames in mitochondrial DNA and act as retrograde signals between mitochondria and the rest of the cell. MOTS-C was first characterized in 2015 and has since become a widely studied model for mitochondria-to-nucleus communication.
Preclinical research has examined MOTS-C primarily in the context of metabolic regulation. In cell culture (in vitro) studies, MOTS-C has been shown to translocate to the nucleus under metabolic stress and to interact with folate-purine metabolism and AMPK-related signaling pathways. In rodent (animal model) studies, administration of MOTS-C has been reported to influence glucose metabolism and insulin sensitivity markers in diet-induced obesity models. These findings position MOTS-C as a research tool for studying how mitochondrial signaling intersects with cellular energy balance.
A smaller but growing body of work has examined MOTS-C in human observational and interventional contexts. Human studies have measured circulating MOTS-C levels in relation to exercise and age, and one study reported that exercise elevates endogenous MOTS-C levels in skeletal muscle and plasma. This work is early-stage, and reviewers note that human data remain limited compared with the animal literature. For related reading, see our overview of mitochondrial function research.
Open research questions include the receptors and transporters that mediate MOTS-C uptake and signaling, how mitochondrial genetic variation affects MOTS-C sequence and function across populations, and how findings in rodent metabolic models relate to human physiology. MOTS-C continues to be investigated as a model compound in mitochondrial biology, exercise physiology, and metabolic research.
Specifications
| Form | Lyophilized powder |
| Purity | >=99% (HPLC) |
| Sequence | Met-Arg-Trp-Gln-Glu-Met-Gly-Tyr-Ile-Phe-Tyr-Pro-Arg-Lys-Leu-Arg |
| Molecular weight | 2174.6 g/mol |
| Storage | Store lyophilized at -20C; refrigerate (2-8C) after reconstitution |
Storage & Handling
Store the lyophilized powder at -20C, protected from light and moisture. After reconstitution, refrigerate at 2-8C and use promptly. See our peptide reconstitution and storage guide for handling best practices, and the reconstitution calculator for lab preparation math.
Certificate of Analysis
🛡 COA — 40mgFurther Reading
Related Compounds
References
- Lee C et al. The mitochondrial-derived peptide MOTS-c promotes metabolic homeostasis and reduces obesity and insulin resistance. Cell Metabolism. 2015. PMID 25738459
- Reynolds JC et al. MOTS-c is an exercise-induced mitochondrial-encoded regulator of age-dependent physical decline and muscle homeostasis. Nature Communications. 2021. PMID 33473109
- Li Y et al. Mitochondrial-derived peptides in cardiovascular disease: Novel insights and therapeutic opportunities. Journal of Advanced Research. 2024. PMID 38008175
- Dabravolski SA et al. Mitochondria-derived peptides in healthy ageing and therapy of age-related diseases. Advances in Protein Chemistry and Structural Biology. 2023. PMID 37437978