MOTS-C
Mitochondrial-derived signalling peptide
MOTS-c is a 16-amino-acid peptide encoded within the mitochondrial genome. It acts as a signalling molecule between mitochondria and the nucleus, and is studied for its role in metabolic regulation and exercise physiology. Supplied lyophilized, one 40mg vial.
About MOTS-C
MOTS-c (mitochondrial open reading frame of the 12S rRNA type-c) is a 16-amino-acid peptide encoded not in the cell nucleus but in the mitochondrial genome, within the 12S ribosomal RNA gene. It was identified in 2015 by Changhan Lee and colleagues at the University of Southern California and belongs to a small group of 'mitochondrial-derived peptides' that act as signalling molecules.
In mouse studies MOTS-c has been linked to metabolic homeostasis, insulin sensitivity and exercise capacity; circulating levels rise with exercise in humans, and the peptide has been described as an 'exercise mimetic' in the literature. It is on the World Anti-Doping Agency prohibited list and is not approved for any medical use.
Mechanism
MOTS-c activates AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), a central energy sensor, partly by disrupting the folate–methionine cycle and raising AICAR levels. Under metabolic stress it translocates to the nucleus, where it regulates genes carrying antioxidant response elements — a rare example of a mitochondria-to-nucleus signalling peptide.
Areas of research
- Encoded in mitochondrial 12S rRNA — one of the first characterized mitochondrial-derived peptides
- Activates AMPK signalling in preclinical models
- Studied for insulin sensitivity and metabolic homeostasis
- Investigated as an exercise mimetic in animal studies
References
- Lee C et al. The mitochondrial-derived peptide MOTS-c promotes metabolic homeostasis and reduces obesity and insulin resistance. Cell Metab. 2015;21(3):443-454. PubMed
- Reynolds JC et al. MOTS-c is an exercise-induced mitochondrial-encoded regulator of age-dependent physical decline and muscle homeostasis. Nat Commun. 2021;12:470. PubMed
Research use only. Information on this page is provided for educational and research purposes and summarises published literature, mostly from cell and animal studies; it is not a claim of efficacy or safety. Products are not intended for human or veterinary use, or for any diagnostic or therapeutic purpose.
Molecular details
- Class
- Mitochondrial-derived peptide
- Sequence
- MRWQEMGYIFYPRKLR
- Length
- 16 amino acids
- Molecular formula
- C101H152N28O22S2
- Molecular weight
- 2174.6 g/mol
- CAS number
- 1627580-64-6
- Form
- Lyophilized powder, 40 mg per vial
Storage
Lyophilized: store cool, dark and dry — refrigeration is ideal. Once reconstituted, refrigerate at 2–8 °C.
Reconstitution
Reconstitute with bacteriostatic water.
Handling
Soluble in bacteriostatic water (2 mL per 40 mg vial gives 20 mg/mL). Swirl gently; do not shake. The sequence contains two methionine residues, which oxidise over time in solution, so keep reconstituted material cold, protected from light and used promptly. Store the lyophilized vial at 2–8 °C or frozen.
Details
MOTS-C · 40mg
Metabolic & Body Composition
Lyophilized powder, sealed vial
