MOTS-c (mitochondrial open reading frame of the 12S rRNA-c) is a 16-amino-acid peptide encoded by a short open reading frame inside the mitochondrial 12S rRNA gene. It was described in 2015 as a regul...
Certificate of Analysis included with every order.
Technical Specifications
Purity
≥99%
Form
Lyophilized powder
Storage
-20°C
Molecular Weight
2174.6 g/mol (C101H152N28O22S2)
Sequence
MRWQEMGYIFYPRKLR
CAS Number
1627580-64-6
About MOTS-c
MOTS-c (mitochondrial open reading frame of the 12S rRNA-c) is a 16-amino-acid peptide encoded by a short open reading frame inside the mitochondrial 12S rRNA gene. It was described in 2015 as a regulator of insulin sensitivity and metabolic homeostasis.[1] Pepitiva supplies MOTS-c as a lyophilized powder (10 mg vials, ≥99% purity) for in vitro and preclinical research.
MOTS-c is one of a small group of peptides encoded in mitochondrial DNA. In mice it prevented diet-induced obesity and insulin resistance, and under metabolic stress it moved from the cytoplasm into the nucleus to regulate nuclear genes, a form of communication from mitochondria to the nucleus.[1][2] Most of the foundational studies come from one research group, whose senior authors disclosed that they are consultants and shareholders of the biotechnology company CohBar.[2][3] MOTS-c is not an approved medicine.
For research use only. Not for human consumption.
Quality & Storage
≥99% purity. Lyophilized powder. Storage: -20°C. For research purposes only.
Mechanism of Action
Folate cycle and AMPK
In cells, MOTS-c inhibited the folate cycle and the de novo purine synthesis linked to it. This led to activation of AMPK, a central energy sensor. Skeletal muscle appeared to be its main target organ.[1]
Translocation to the nucleus
During glucose restriction and other metabolic stress, MOTS-c entered the nucleus in an AMPK-dependent way. There it regulated a broad set of genes, including genes with antioxidant response elements, and interacted with stress-responsive transcription factors such as NRF2.[2]
A natural variant
An East Asian mitochondrial DNA variant (m.1382A>C) changes residue 14 of MOTS-c from lysine to glutamine (K14Q). In a meta-analysis of three cohorts (27,527 people), men carrying the variant had a higher prevalence of type 2 diabetes. In high-fat-fed male mice, MOTS-c reduced weight and improved glucose tolerance, whereas the K14Q form did not, and K14Q-MOTS-c was less insulin-sensitizing in vitro.[4]
Research Applications
Preclinical findings
Diet and age-related insulin resistance (2015): MOTS-c treatment prevented age-dependent and high-fat-diet-induced insulin resistance and diet-induced obesity in mice.[1]
Physical capacity in aging mice (2021): MOTS-c improved physical performance in young, middle-aged and old mice, and intermittent treatment started late in life (23.5 months) increased physical capacity and healthspan measures. In humans, exercise raised endogenous MOTS-c in skeletal muscle and in circulation.[3]
These are animal and observational human data; no controlled clinical trial of MOTS-c itself is cited here.
Laboratory research applications
Mitochondrial-nuclear signaling: nuclear translocation, AMPK and NRF2-dependent gene expression.[2]
Metabolism: folate-methionine cycle, purine synthesis, glucose uptake and insulin sensitivity in muscle cells.[1]
Exercise and aging biology: MOTS-c as an exercise-induced factor.[3]
Sports drug testing: MOTS-c has been flagged as an emerging compound of interest for anti-doping laboratories.[5]
MOTS-c is not approved by health authorities for human or veterinary use. This product is sold for laboratory research only.
Storage & Handling Guidelines
Proper storage and handling are essential to maintain peptide integrity and ensure reliable research results. All Pepitiva Biolabs peptides are supplied as lyophilized (freeze-dried) powder, which provides excellent long-term stability when stored correctly. Store lyophilized peptides at -20°C for long-term storage or 2-8°C for short-term use. Once reconstituted, peptide solutions should be stored at 2-8°C and used within the timeframe specified in the product documentation. Always use sterile bacteriostatic water for reconstitution and handle peptides in a clean laboratory environment to prevent contamination. Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles, as thermal stress can cause peptide degradation and loss of biological activity.
Quality Control & Certification
This product is manufactured under strict quality control protocols and has been verified through comprehensive analytical testing. Each batch undergoes reverse-phase HPLC analysis for purity determination and electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI-MS) for molecular identity confirmation. A detailed Certificate of Analysis (COA) is available for download, documenting purity percentage, molecular weight verification, appearance, and recommended storage conditions. Pepitiva Biolabs maintains batch-level traceability from synthesis through delivery, ensuring complete transparency and quality assurance for your research.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is MOTS-c?
A 16-amino-acid peptide encoded in the mitochondrial 12S rRNA gene (MT-RNR1). Its name stands for mitochondrial open reading frame of the 12S rRNA-c. It was first described in 2015.
What is the MOTS-c sequence?
MRWQEMGYIFYPRKLR (UniProt A0A0C5B5G6). PubChem lists the formula C101H152N28O22S2, a molecular weight of 2174.6 g/mol and CAS 1627580-64-6.
How does MOTS-c work?
In cell and mouse studies, MOTS-c inhibits the folate cycle, which activates the energy sensor AMPK. Under metabolic stress it moves into the nucleus and regulates genes, including antioxidant-response genes controlled by NRF2.
Is MOTS-c a mitochondrial-derived peptide?
Yes. It belongs to the small group of peptides encoded by short open reading frames in mitochondrial DNA, which also includes humanin.
Has MOTS-c been tested in humans?
Human studies have measured natural MOTS-c, for example its rise in muscle and blood after exercise, and genetic variants such as K14Q. MOTS-c is not an approved drug, and the treatment studies cited here were done in mice.
How should MOTS-c be stored?
Keep the lyophilized powder at −20 °C, protected from light and moisture.
Is this product approved for human use?
No. This product is intended exclusively for in vitro scientific research and laboratory use. It is not approved for human or veterinary use, not intended for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes, and should not be administered to humans or animals under any circumstances.
How do I reconstitute this peptide?
Add sterile bacteriostatic water slowly to the vial, directing the stream against the glass wall rather than directly onto the lyophilized powder. Gently swirl the vial until the powder is fully dissolved — do not shake vigorously. The recommended reconstitution volume depends on your desired concentration. Refer to the product documentation for specific guidance.
Can I get a Certificate of Analysis (COA)?
Yes. A Certificate of Analysis is included with every order and is also available for download from the product page. The COA documents HPLC purity, mass spectrometry identity confirmation, batch number, production date, and storage recommendations.
Scientific References
Lee C, Zeng J, Drew BG, 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
Kim KH, Son JM, Benayoun BA, Lee C. The Mitochondrial-Encoded Peptide MOTS-c Translocates to the Nucleus to Regulate Nuclear Gene Expression in Response to Metabolic Stress. Cell Metab. 2018;28(3):516-524.e7. PubMed
Reynolds JC, Lai RW, Woodhead JST, et al. MOTS-c is an exercise-induced mitochondrial-encoded regulator of age-dependent physical decline and muscle homeostasis. Nat Commun. 2021;12(1):470. PubMed
Zempo H, Kim SJ, Fuku N, et al. A pro-diabetogenic mtDNA polymorphism in the mitochondrial-derived peptide, MOTS-c. Aging (Albany NY). 2021;13(2):1692-1717. PubMed
Thevis M, Schänzer W. Emerging drugs affecting skeletal muscle function and mitochondrial biogenesis - Potential implications for sports drug testing programs. Rapid Commun Mass Spectrom. 2016;30(5):635-651. PubMed
PubChem. MOTS-c, CID 146675088: C101H152N28O22S2, 2174.6 g/mol, CAS 1627580-64-6. Source
Sources are peer-reviewed publications indexed in PubMed and trial registrations on ClinicalTrials.gov. Each citation was checked against its PubMed record.
For research use only. Not for human consumption.
Related Peptides
≥98%
Longevity
SS-31 (Elamipretide)
SS-31, also known as elamipretide, is a synthetic tetrapeptide with the sequence D-Arg-Dmt-Lys-Phe-N...
