MOTS-c (Mitochondrial-Derived Peptide)

MOTS-c is a 16-amino-acid peptide that is unusual in its origin: it is encoded within the mitochondrial genome, specifically inside the 12S ribosomal RNA gene. That makes it one of a small group of mitochondrial-derived peptides. It carries CAS number 1627580-64-6 and the molecular formula C101H152N28O22S2, with a molecular weight of 2174.6 g/mol.

MOTS-c is studied as a signaling peptide tied to cellular metabolism rather than a hormone-axis compound. It is supplied as a lyophilized powder for laboratory reconstitution.

MOTS-c was first described in 2015 by Lee and colleagues in Cell Metabolism, who reported that it promotes metabolic homeostasis and influences insulin sensitivity in research models (PubMed 25738459). The finding drew attention because it showed the mitochondrial genome encoding an active signaling peptide.

A 2023 review by Zheng and colleagues in Frontiers in Endocrinology surveyed MOTS-c as a candidate for therapeutic study (PubMed 36761202), and a 2024 study by Yin and colleagues in Advanced Science examined it in an oncology model (PubMed 39321430). The research base is preclinical.

In research models, MOTS-c is studied for activation of the AMPK pathway, a central regulator of cellular energy balance. Through that pathway it is connected to glucose handling, insulin sensitivity, and metabolic stress responses. Research has also described MOTS-c moving to the cell nucleus under metabolic stress, where it is studied for effects on gene expression.

This metabolic-signaling role places MOTS-c apart from the growth-hormone and melanocortin groups. For current findings, search PubMed directly.

Lyophilized MOTS-c is generally stored at -20°C for long-term holding, with stability reported around 24 months. Refrigeration at 2°C to 8°C suits shorter windows, away from light and moisture.

The lot-specific Certificate of Analysis is the authoritative reference for a given batch.

Reconstitution means returning a lyophilized compound to solution. This page gives no preparation procedure: solvent, concentration and handling steps belong to the methodology of the study being reproduced, not to a compound reference. MOTS-c is handled as aqueous-soluble material.

Lyophilized material is hygroscopic, so a sealed container is allowed to reach ambient temperature before it is opened. Solubility and water-content figures for a given lot appear on its Certificate of Analysis.

Identity and purity of research-grade MOTS-c are established analytically, by HPLC with mass spectrometric confirmation of the expected mass. Verified purity is documented per lot on the Certificate of Analysis.

Check HPLC purity, mass-spec identity, and net peptide content on the Certificate of Analysis. peptides.com publishes lot-specific lab reports for verification.

MOTS-c is grouped with the metabolic-context research peptides:

• AOD-9604.
  A modified hGH fragment studied in lipid metabolism. 
• Tirzepatide.
  A dual incretin receptor agonist. 
• Epitalon.
  A tetrapeptide studied in longevity-context research. 

Lee C, Zeng J, et al. (2015). The mitochondrial-derived peptide MOTS-c promotes metabolic homeostasis and reduces obesity and insulin resistance. Cell Metabolism.
PubMed 25738459

Zheng Y, Wei Z, et al. (2023). MOTS-c: A promising mitochondrial-derived peptide for therapeutic exploitation. Frontiers in Endocrinology.
PubMed 36761202

Yin Y, Li Y, et al. (2024). Mitochondrial-Derived Peptide MOTS-c Suppresses Ovarian Cancer Progression. Advanced Science.
PubMed 39321430

peptides.com carries MOTS-c in research-grade lyophilized vials. Each ships with a batch-specific Certificate of Analysis.

• Browse all MOTS-c research products
• NuLumin MOTS-c
• Collections: Research Vials. Documentation: COA and Lab Testing.

These products are sold for Research Use Only and are not intended for human consumption.