MOTS-c Research Peptide: A Mitochondrial-Derived Peptide Explained

PEPMAKE Research Team (Laboratory & Content Team)
⏱️ 6 min read
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MOTS-c Research Peptide: A Mitochondrial-Derived Peptide Explained

Short answer

MOTS-c is a 16-amino-acid peptide encoded by mitochondrial DNA. It belongs to a family of mitochondrial-derived peptides (MDPs) and is studied in metabolic, exercise and mitochondrial research models. It is sold as a lyophilized research powder for laboratory use only.

What is MOTS-c?

MOTS-c was first described in a 2015 Cell Metabolism study that identified a short open reading frame inside the mitochondrial 12S rRNA gene [1]. In other words, a small peptide is encoded not by the nuclear genome but by the mitochondria themselves.

The peptide is 16 amino acids long and is highly conserved. Its discovery opened a research area asking how mitochondria communicate with the rest of the cell through small peptides [1][2].

What researchers study

MOTS-c appears in the literature across several themes:

  • Metabolic research - glucose handling and insulin signaling in cell and animal models [1].
  • Exercise biology - a 2021 Nature Communications study reported that MOTS-c influences physical performance and muscle homeostasis in aging mice [2].
  • Mitochondrial signaling - how mitochondrial peptides regulate nuclear gene expression.
  • Aging research - age-dependent changes in MOTS-c levels and muscle function [2].
  • Key facts at a glance

    PropertyDetail
    TypeMitochondrial-derived peptide
    Length16 amino acids
    SourceEncoded in mitochondrial 12S rRNA
    Research themesMetabolism, exercise, mitochondrial signaling
    Typical formLyophilized powder
    Purity expectation99%+ by HPLC

    What to check before buying MOTS-c

  • Identity - mass spectrometry should confirm the 16-amino-acid sequence and molecular mass.
  • Purity - 99%+ by HPLC with a chromatogram.
  • COA per batch - batch-specific certificate, not a template.
  • Lyophilized powder - freeze-dried material for stability.
  • RUO labeling - for laboratory research use only.
  • You can review MOTS-C product options and verify batch documents on the quality portal.

    FAQ

    What is MOTS-c?

    A 16-amino-acid peptide encoded by mitochondrial DNA, part of the mitochondrial-derived peptide family.

    What does MOTS-c stand for?

    Mitochondrial open reading frame of the 12S rRNA type-c.

    How is MOTS-c studied?

    In cell and animal models of metabolism, exercise adaptation, insulin signaling and mitochondrial function.

    Is MOTS-c for human use?

    No, it is a lyophilized research powder for laboratory research only.

    References

  • Lee C. et al. The mitochondrial-derived peptide MOTS-c promotes metabolic homeostasis and reduces obesity and insulin resistance. Cell Metabolism (2015). PubMed entry
  • Reynolds J.C. et al. MOTS-c is an exercise-induced mitochondrial-encoded regulator of age-dependent physical decline and muscle homeostasis. Nature Communications (2021). Nature article
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