MOTS-c

What is MOTS-c?

MOTS-c is a 16-amino-acid mitochondrial-derived peptide (MRWQEMGYIFYPRKLR) encoded by a short open reading frame within the mitochondrial 12S ribosomal RNA gene (MT-RNR1). It belongs to the small family of mitochondrial-derived peptides that also includes humanin, and it was first described in published research in 2015 as a signalling molecule that links mitochondrial status to whole-body metabolism.

MOTS-c is studied because it acts as a retrograde signal: produced in mitochondria, it moves into the cytoplasm and, under metabolic stress, into the nucleus where it modulates gene expression. Preclinical work has investigated it as an exercise mimetic, a regulator of insulin sensitivity and a factor in age-related metabolic decline.

Purity and identity results are batch-specific. Consult the applicable supplied report for its results and methods; confirm the batch covers current stock and verify the laboratory’s accreditation scope directly.

MOTS-c research applications

MOTS-c research spans metabolism, exercise physiology and ageing. The areas below reflect published cell-culture and animal work and are not claims about effects in people.

Exercise physiology and mitochondrial signalling

Studies in mice reported that MOTS-c levels rise with exercise and that administration in these models was associated with improved endurance, which is why it is studied as an exercise-mimetic peptide.

Glucose metabolism and insulin sensitivity

Rodent models of high-fat feeding and age-related insulin resistance are used to investigate MOTS-c effects on skeletal-muscle glucose uptake and systemic metabolic markers.

Ageing and metabolic homeostasis

Circulating MOTS-c declines with age in animal and human cohort data, and researchers explore whether restoring it influences metabolic resilience in aged models.

Nuclear stress response

Under metabolic stress MOTS-c translocates to the nucleus and regulates antioxidant response element (ARE) genes through interactions with NRF2, a mechanism studied in cell culture.

Bone, cardiovascular and inflammatory models

Emerging preclinical literature investigates MOTS-c in osteoporosis, vascular calcification and inflammatory signalling models.

Mechanism of action (preclinical)

MOTS-c is reported to inhibit the folate cycle at the level of 5-methyltetrahydrofolate, which lowers de-novo purine synthesis and raises intracellular AICAR (ZMP). ZMP accumulation activates AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), the master energy sensor that increases glucose uptake and fatty-acid oxidation in skeletal muscle.

Separately, metabolic stress promotes MOTS-c translocation to the nucleus, where it associates with NRF2 and other transcription factors to regulate stress-response and antioxidant genes. More recent work also describes binding to casein kinase 2. These mechanisms are drawn from cell and animal research and remain under active investigation.

MOTS-c product specifications

Available sizes

MOTS-c is available from GenoPept in the following vial sizes:

• MOTS-c 10mg vial
• MOTS-c 20mg vial
• MOTS-c 40mg vial

Laboratories that need larger quantities can order MOTS-c in bulk boxes of 10 vials, which save 20–50% against single-vial pricing. Retail baskets also receive automatic discounts at £300, £500 and £1,000, and delivery is free on UK orders of £200 or more.

Reconstitution, handling and storage (laboratory)

Unopened MOTS-c vials should be stored at −20 °C for long-term storage, or at 2–8 °C for short periods, and protected from light. Allow the vial to reach room temperature before opening to avoid condensation on the lyophilised cake.

To reconstitute for in-vitro work, add bacteriostatic water or another sterile diluent slowly down the inside wall of the vial, then swirl gently until the powder dissolves. Do not shake. MOTS-c contains methionine residues that can oxidise, so minimise exposure of reconstituted solutions to air and light. Reconstituted solution should be kept at 2–8 °C and used within the period specified in the laboratory’s own protocol. See our guides on how to reconstitute research peptides and how to store research peptides for step-by-step handling notes.

Quality assurance and Certificate of Analysis

Purity and identity results are batch-specific. Consult the applicable supplied report for its results and methods; confirm the batch covers current stock and verify the laboratory’s accreditation scope directly.

Use the “View Certificate of Analysis” button on this page to open the current MOTS-c COA, or browse the full COA library. Our article on what a Certificate of Analysis shows explains how to read the chromatogram and mass spectrum.

Related research compounds

• Humanin: the other well-characterised mitochondrial-derived peptide, studied alongside MOTS-c in ageing research.
• SS-31 (Elamipretide): a cardiolipin-binding tetrapeptide investigated in mitochondrial dysfunction models.
• AICAR (Acadesine): the direct AMPK activator whose metabolite ZMP is elevated by MOTS-c.
• NAD+: the mitochondrial coenzyme at the heart of cellular energy metabolism.

MOTS-c frequently asked questions

What is MOTS-c used for in research?

MOTS-c is used in metabolic and ageing research as a mitochondrial-derived signalling peptide. Laboratories investigate it in cell-culture and rodent models of exercise, insulin resistance, obesity and age-related metabolic decline, focusing on AMPK activation and nuclear stress responses. It is supplied in the UK strictly for in-vitro laboratory research.

How is MOTS-c supplied and what purity is it?

Purity and identity results are batch-specific. Consult the applicable supplied report for its results and methods; confirm the batch covers current stock and verify the laboratory’s accreditation scope directly.

How should MOTS-c be stored?

Store unopened MOTS-c vials at −20 °C for long-term storage, or 2–8 °C for short periods, protected from light. After reconstitution with bacteriostatic water or sterile diluent, keep the solution at 2–8 °C, limit exposure to air because of its methionine residues, and use within the period defined by your laboratory protocol.

Is MOTS-c for human use?

No. MOTS-c sold here is for in-vitro laboratory research only. It is not a medicine, not a supplement and not for human or veterinary use, diagnosis or therapy. This page summarises published preclinical research and contains no dosing or usage guidance for people.

How does MOTS-c differ from humanin?

Both are mitochondrial-derived peptides, but they come from different genes and act differently. MOTS-c is a 16-amino-acid peptide from the 12S rRNA gene that is studied for AMPK-linked metabolic regulation. Humanin is a 24-amino-acid peptide from the 16S rRNA gene studied mainly for cytoprotective and anti-apoptotic signalling. Researchers often investigate both together in ageing models.

Research use only. MOTS-c is supplied by GenoPept strictly for in-vitro laboratory research. It is not a medicine, is not for human or veterinary use, and is not intended for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes. Read our research use only policy and UK legal guide before ordering.