MOTS-c (Mitochondrial Open Reading Frame of the Twelve S rRNA Type-c) is a mitochondrial-derived peptide consisting of 16 amino acids with the sequence Met-Arg-Trp-Gln-Glu-Met-Gly-Tyr-Ile-Phe-Tyr-Pro-Arg-Lys-Leu-Arg. It has a molecular weight of approximately 2,174.58 Da. MOTS-c is encoded within the 12S rRNA gene of mitochondrial DNA and represents a member of the emerging class of mitochondrial-derived peptides (MDPs), positioning it at the forefront of mitochondrial signaling research.
Preclinical models demonstrate that MOTS-c activates the AMPK signaling pathway, a master regulator of cellular energy homeostasis. In skeletal muscle cell models, MOTS-c treatment has been associated with enhanced glucose upadminister in research settingsthrough GLUT4 translocation and increased fatty acid oxidation. Metabolomic profiling in treated cell cultures reveals significant alterations in the folate-methionine cycle, specifically through inhibition of the de novo purine biosynthesis pathway, leading to accumulation of AICAR—an endogenous AMPK activator.
Cellular stress response research has identified MOTS-c as a compound capable of translocating to the nucleus under metabolic stress conditions in cell culture. Nuclear MOTS-c has been observed to interact with antioxidant response element (ARE)-containing gene promoters, suggesting a role in adaptive transcriptional regulation. In oxidative stress models using hydrogen peroxide-challenged cell lines, MOTS-c pretreatment has demonstrated measurable cytoprotective effects as assessed by cell viability assays.
Additional research applications include insulin sensitivity modeling in adipocyte cultures, where MOTS-c has shown effects on insulin receptor substrate phosphorylation. In osteoblast cell models, the peptide has been studied for its influence on mineralization and differentiation markers. Aging research utilizing senescent cell models has identified declining endogenous MOTS-c levels as a feature of mitochondrial dysfunction.
Erosyn Labs provides MOTS-c as a lyophilized powder at ≥98% purity verified by HPLC with mass spectrometry identity confirmation. A Certificate of Analysis accompanies each lot. For reconstitution, sterile water or 0.1% acetic acid in water is recommended. The lyophilized compound should be stored at -20°C. Reconstituted solutions should be aliquoted and stored at -80°C for long-term use or 2–8°C for short-term experimental use within 14 days. Standard aseptic handling protocols are advised.
For research and laboratory use only. Not for human consumption.
