Description
What is MOTS-c?
MOTS-c is a 16-amino-acid peptide discovered in 2015 and encoded within an open reading frame of the mitochondrial 12S ribosomal RNA gene. As a mitochondrial-derived peptide it represents retrograde signaling from the mitochondrion to the cell. In research models it circulates systemically and is investigated as a metabolic regulator linking mitochondrial status to nuclear gene expression and energy balance, particularly under metabolic and oxidative stress.
How MOTS-c works (research context)
In laboratory studies MOTS-c functions primarily as an activator of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), the cell's central energy sensor. Mechanistic work indicates it modulates the folate-methionine one-carbon cycle and purine biosynthesis, driving accumulation of the AMPK-activating intermediate AICAR. Under metabolic stress it translocates from the mitochondria to the nucleus, where it is studied for influence on antioxidant and metabolic gene programs.
Research applications
- In-vitro and animal-model studies of AMPK-mediated energy metabolism
- Pre-clinical investigation of insulin sensitivity and glucose homeostasis
- Research on mitochondrial-to-nuclear retrograde signaling
- Models of metabolic stress, oxidative damage, and cellular aging
Key facts
- 16-amino-acid peptide encoded within the mitochondrial 12S rRNA gene
- Discovered in 2015; an early characterized mitochondrial-derived peptide
- Acts via the folate-AICAR-AMPK signaling axis in research models
- Capable of stress-induced translocation from mitochondria to the nucleus
Product specifications
- Class: Mitochondrial-derived signaling peptide (16-amino-acid)
- Also known as: Mitochondrial-derived peptide (12S rRNA type-c)
- Form: Lyophilized powder vial
- Purity: ≥ 99% (HPLC verified)
- Testing: Independent third-party HPLC + mass spectrometry
- Documentation: Certificate of analysis per batch
- Storage: Store lyophilized at -20C, protected from light; reconstitute with bacteriostatic water and refrigerate.
For laboratory research use only. Not for human or veterinary use, consumption, diagnostic, or therapeutic purposes.
Hassan A. (verified owner) –
COA emailed ahead, cold chain intact. No cloudiness on reconstitution. Reordering for the next study.
Dr. Yara Okafor (verified owner) –
MOTS-c reconstituted clean and our AMPK phosphorylation Western blots were textbook. 98.9% on the COA, confirmed in-house.
Dr. Priscila Gomes (verified owner) –
Translocation studies under metabolic stress worked beautifully with this lot. Reliable, well-handled peptide.
N. Brennan (verified owner) –
Good purity, clear COA. Vial fill was slightly under but within reason. Shipping was prompt and cold.
Elliot Tanaka (verified owner) –
Consistent 16-residue material — mass spec matched. AICAR/AMPK readouts reproducible across passages. Great reference peptide.