MOTS-c is a 16-amino-acid mitochondrial-derived peptide (MDP) encoded within the 12S ribosomal RNA region of mitochondrial DNA rather than in the nuclear genome. This unusual origin has made it a focal point for laboratories studying mitochondrial signaling, metabolic regulation, and cellular stress responses. Puritide Research supplies MOTS-c as a high-purity, research-use-only material, synthesized for in vitro and animal-model work and backed by third-party-verified certificates of analysis so your data rests on consistent, documented quality.
Available Sizes
- ›MOTS-c 10 mg Vial
- ›MOTS-c 40 mg Vial
Product Specifications
- Application
- Mitochondrial signaling and metabolic pathway research
- Appearance
- Solid, white lyophilized powder in a sealed glass vial
- Chemical Formula
- C101H152N28O22S2
- PubChem SID
- 146675088
- CAS Number
- 1627580-64-6
- Molecular Weight
- ~2174.6 g/mol
- Synonyms
- MOTS-c, Mitochondrial ORF of the 12S rRNA type-c, mitochondrial-derived peptide, MDP
- Storage
- Store at ≤25°C, sealed, away from heat, light, and moisture. For extended storage, keep lyophilized and refrigerated or frozen.
What Is MOTS-c?
MOTS-c (Mitochondrial Open Reading Frame of the 12S rRNA type-c) is a short peptide first reported in 2015 that is encoded within mitochondrial DNA. It belongs to a small class of mitochondrial-derived peptides that appear to act as signaling molecules connecting mitochondrial status to the rest of the cell.
In experimental settings, MOTS-c is investigated for its association with cellular metabolism, the AMPK signaling axis, and adaptive responses to metabolic stress. Because it originates from the mitochondrial genome, it is often studied as a model for retrograde signaling, communication from mitochondria to the nucleus.
Present understanding derives from in vitro assays and animal models. Findings should be interpreted within their experimental context and not treated as established clinical outcomes. Puritide Research supplies MOTS-c strictly for laboratory use; it is not approved for human or veterinary application.
MOTS-c Mechanism of Action (Research Only)
MOTS-c is studied as a mitochondrial-derived peptide that participates in cellular metabolic signaling. The mechanisms below reflect observations from biochemical assays, cell-culture studies, and animal models, and should be read strictly in a research context.
AMPK Pathway Signaling
A central focus of MOTS-c research is its reported association with AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), a key sensor of cellular energy state. In experimental systems, MOTS-c is examined for its relationship to AMPK activation and downstream metabolic pathways involved in glucose handling and energy balance.
Researchers use MOTS-c to probe how a mitochondrially encoded peptide may influence nuclear and cytosolic signaling, providing a model for studying the coordination between mitochondrial function and broader cellular metabolism.
Retrograde Signaling and Stress Response
MOTS-c has been described in the literature as translocating to the nucleus under metabolic stress, where it is studied for potential associations with the regulation of stress-response gene expression. This retrograde signaling framework makes it a useful tool for investigating how mitochondria communicate their status to the rest of the cell.
Within controlled models, MOTS-c is examined for its temporal and condition-dependent behavior rather than as representing a single fixed mechanism.
MOTS-c Research Applications
MOTS-c is investigated across preclinical studies as a mitochondrial-derived peptide for exploring metabolic and mitochondrial biology. The observations below derive from biochemical studies, cell-based assays, and animal models, and should be interpreted within their respective settings.
Metabolic and Mitochondrial Biology
A primary application is investigating cellular metabolism, glucose utilization, insulin-related signaling in model systems, and the AMPK axis. MOTS-c is used to characterize how mitochondrial signaling intersects with metabolic regulation under controlled conditions.
Researchers also use MOTS-c to study mitochondrial function, biogenesis markers, and adaptive responses to metabolic and oxidative stress in cell and animal models.
Aging and Exercise Physiology Models
Because circulating mitochondrial-derived peptide levels have been reported to change with age and physical activity in the literature, MOTS-c is frequently used in aging and exercise-physiology research models. These studies aim to improve understanding of mitochondrial signaling rather than to establish physiological or therapeutic effects.
Laboratory Safety & Handling (Research Use Only)
MOTS-c is a synthetic, lyophilized research peptide for laboratory investigation only. It should be handled by qualified personnel in controlled environments, in accordance with institutional policies, laboratory safety procedures, and applicable regulations. As a research material, laboratories should implement practices that prioritize material integrity, traceability, and reproducibility.
Handling & Storage Guidelines
Follow institutional SOPs, chemical hygiene plans, and approved protocols; wear appropriate PPE (lab coat, gloves, eye protection); and use engineering controls where required. Record lot numbers, storage conditions, and handling activities, and retain Certificates of Analysis and batch documentation to support traceability and audit readiness.
Store material under the conditions specified in product documentation, protected from excessive heat, moisture, and direct light. Maintain consistent conditions throughout the study period and monitor storage records as part of quality assurance.
Certificate of Analysis & Quality Assurance
Each MOTS-c batch ships with a third-party-verified Certificate of Analysis, providing transparent, research-grade quality control. The CoA includes a purity assessment (HPLC / reverse-phase chromatography), mass-spectrometry identity confirmation, and lot number, testing date, and method documentation.
Researchers may request sample CoAs (PDF) ahead of purchase to confirm testing parameters, analytical methods, and batch consistency, and are encouraged to perform independent verification.
Research Use Only
