MOTS-c

99%+ Purity USA Tested

Research Use Only. Not for Human or Veterinary Use

MOTS-c: Mitochondrial-derived peptide, CAS 1627580-64-6, MW 1798.06 g/mol, ≥99% purity. Lyophilized powder for laboratory use.

$60.00

13 in stock

Peptide Name	MOTS-c (Mitochondrial ORF of the 12S rRNA-c)
CAS Number	1627580-64-6
Molecular Formula	C₇₇H₁₁₉N₂₃O₂₃S₂
Molecular Weight	1798.06 g/mol
Sequence	Met-Arg-Trp-Gln-Glu-Met-Gly-Tyr-Ile-Phe-Tyr-Pro-Arg-Lys-Leu-Arg
Appearance	White lyophilized powder
Purity	≥99% (HPLC)
Storage	-20°C, desiccated, protected from light
Solubility	Soluble in sterile water

This product is not intended for human or animal use. For scientific research only.

VivePeptides provides detailed analytical results including High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) and mass spectrometry data for all peptides. These reports confirm peptide purity, composition, and molecular accuracy, giving researchers full transparency and confidence in the materials used for their studies.

VIEW COA

VivePeptides peptides should be stored in a cool, dry environment and protected from light and moisture. Lyophilized peptides are best kept refrigerated or frozen until use to maintain stability. Once reconstituted for research purposes, peptides should be stored according to standard laboratory protocols, typically under refrigeration, and handled using proper aseptic techniques to preserve integrity throughout the study period.

OVERVIEW

What Is MOTS-c Peptide?

MOTS-c (Mitochondrial Open Reading Frame of the 12S rRNA Type-c) is a 16-amino acid peptide encoded within the mitochondrial genome, specifically within the 12S ribosomal RNA gene. Discovered by Dr. Changhan David Lee and colleagues at the University of Southern California in 2015, MOTS-c represents a groundbreaking class of signaling molecules known as mitochondrial-derived peptides (MDPs). The discovery that mitochondrial DNA encodes functional peptides beyond the 13 known mitochondrial proteins fundamentally altered our understanding of mitochondrial biology.

As a MOTS-c mitochondrial peptide, this compound is unique in that it originates from the organellar genome rather than nuclear DNA. MOTS-c research has focused on its role as a retrograde signaling molecule — a messenger that communicates mitochondrial status to the nuclear genome and influences systemic metabolic regulation. MOTS-c metabolism research and MOTS-c exercise research have been particularly active areas of investigation, with studies exploring how this peptide integrates mitochondrial energy sensing with cellular metabolic programming in laboratory models.

Mitochondrial-Derived Peptide

16-amino acid peptide encoded in mitochondrial 12S rRNA gene

≥99% HPLC Purity

Every batch verified via high-performance liquid chromatography

USA Tested & Verified

Third-party analytical testing performed in USA laboratories

RESEARCH

MOTS-c Mechanism of Action in Research

The MOTS-c mechanism of action involves a novel form of mitochondria-to-nucleus communication called retrograde signaling. MOTS-c research has identified several key pathways through which this mitochondrial-derived peptide influences cellular metabolism.

AMPK Pathway Activation

MOTS-c research has demonstrated that the peptide activates AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), a master regulator of cellular energy homeostasis. Studies indicate that MOTS-c may influence AMPK signaling by modulating the folate-methionine cycle and de novo purine biosynthesis, leading to accumulation of the AMPK activator AICAR (5-aminoimidazole-4-carboxamide ribonucleotide). This metabolic pathway represents a unique mechanism distinct from conventional AMPK activators (Lee et al., Cell Metabolism, 2015).

Nuclear Translocation and Gene Regulation

A remarkable finding in MOTS-c research is that this mitochondrially-encoded peptide can translocate to the nucleus under conditions of metabolic stress. Published studies demonstrate that MOTS-c accumulates in the nucleus and interacts with antioxidant response element (ARE) sequences in promoter regions of stress-responsive genes. This direct mitochondria-to-nucleus signaling pathway represents a novel form of retrograde communication (Kim et al., Cell Metabolism, 2018).

Metabolic Reprogramming

MOTS-c metabolism research has revealed effects on cellular metabolic programming, including modulation of glucose uptake, fatty acid oxidation, and one-carbon metabolism. Studies indicate MOTS-c may influence metabolic flexibility — the ability of cells to switch between fuel sources — in various tissue types studied in laboratory settings. —

COMPARISON

MOTS-c vs SS-31: Mitochondrial Peptide Research Comparison

MOTS-c and SS-31 (Elamipretide) are both studied in mitochondrial research but differ fundamentally in origin, structure, and proposed mechanisms.

Feature	MOTS-c	SS-31 (Elamipretide)
Origin	Endogenous, mitochondrial DNA-encoded	Synthetic, designed peptide
CAS Number	1627580-64-6	736992-21-5
Amino Acids	16	4 (D-Arg-Dmt-Lys-Phe-NH₂)
Molecular Weight	2174.67 Da	640.75 Da
Mitochondrial Target	Retrograde signaling (mito-to-nucleus)	Cardiolipin / inner membrane
Primary Mechanism	AMPK activation, gene regulation	Electron transport chain optimization
Research Focus	Metabolic sensing, exercise biology	Mitochondrial bioenergetics, oxidative stress
Genome of Origin	Mitochondrial	N/A (synthetic)

MOTS-c and SS-31 target different aspects of mitochondrial biology, making them complementary research tools. VivePeptides MOTS-c for sale at ≥99% purity provides researchers with a reliable compound for metabolic and mitochondrial signaling studies.

RESEARCH STUDIES

MOTS-c Research Applications & Published Studies

MOTS-c research is a rapidly expanding field since the peptide’s discovery in 2015, with published studies in leading journals including Cell Metabolism and Nature Communications.

Metabolic Signaling Discovery

The foundational MOTS-c research by Lee et al. (Cell Metabolism, 2015) characterized MOTS-c as a novel mitochondrial-derived peptide that regulates metabolic homeostasis. This landmark study demonstrated MOTS-c’s effects on folate-methionine metabolism, AMPK activation, and glucose utilization in cell culture and animal models, establishing the field of MOTS-c metabolism research.

Exercise Biology Research

MOTS-c exercise research has generated significant interest. Reynolds et al. (Nature Communications, 2021) published findings showing that MOTS-c levels in circulation are influenced by physical activity. Studies in aged mouse models demonstrated that MOTS-c administration improved physical capacity parameters, suggesting a role for this peptide in exercise-responsive metabolic signaling pathways.

Aging and Cellular Senescence Studies

Published MOTS-c research has explored the peptide’s relationship to aging biology. Studies have documented that endogenous MOTS-c levels may decline with age across multiple species, while exogenous MOTS-c administration in aged animal models has been associated with improvements in metabolic parameters. These findings have positioned MOTS-c as a key research compound in geroscience.

QUALITY ASSURANCE

Quality & Testing Standards

HPLC & Mass Spectrometry

Every MOTS-c batch undergoes HPLC and mass spectrometry to verify peptide identity, correct sequence, and purity.

Third-Party Verified

All MOTS-c is independently tested at third-party USA-based analytical laboratories with documentation for every lot.

≥99% Purity Standard

VivePeptides MOTS-c consistently meets or exceeds ≥99% purity for dependable research outcomes.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions About MOTS-c

What is MOTS-c used for in research?

MOTS-c is used in preclinical research to study mitochondrial-derived peptide signaling, AMPK-mediated metabolic regulation, exercise biology, aging, and cellular energy homeostasis. MOTS-c is sold for research use only.

What purity is VivePeptides MOTS-c?

VivePeptides MOTS-c mitochondrial peptide is manufactured to ≥99% purity as verified by HPLC. Each batch is independently tested at USA-based analytical laboratories.

How should MOTS-c be stored?

Lyophilized MOTS-c should be stored at -20°C, protected from light and moisture. Reconstituted solutions should be stored at 2–8°C and used within 7 days. MOTS-c contains methionine residues and should be protected from oxidation.

What makes MOTS-c unique among peptides?

MOTS-c is one of the few known peptides encoded by mitochondrial DNA rather than nuclear DNA. It represents a novel class of signaling molecules called mitochondrial-derived peptides (MDPs) that enable direct mitochondria-to-nucleus communication, a process known as retrograde signaling.

Is VivePeptides MOTS-c third-party tested?

Yes. Every lot of VivePeptides MOTS-c undergoes independent third-party testing at USA-based laboratories, including HPLC purity analysis and mass spectrometry verification. Results are available for qualified researchers.

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