MOTS-C Mitochondrial Peptide
MOTS-C is a mitochondrial-derived peptide encoded in the 12S rRNA gene. It has been studied for its roles in regulating metabolic homeostasis, insulin sensitivity, and exercise-related AMPK activation.
≥98%
5mg
Lyophilized Powder
Store at -20°C. Protect from light and moisture.
Mechanism of Action
MOTS-c (Mitochondrial Open Reading Frame of the 12S rRNA Type-c) is a 16-amino-acid peptide encoded by the mitochondrial genome within the 12S ribosomal RNA gene. It activates the AMPK (AMP-activated protein kinase) signaling pathway, a master regulator of cellular energy homeostasis, leading to enhanced glucose uptake in skeletal muscle through GLUT4 translocation. MOTS-c also regulates the folate-methionine cycle and de novo purine biosynthesis, establishing it as a mitochondrial-nuclear communication signal.
Research Overview
MOTS-c was discovered in 2015 by Dr. Changhan David Lee and colleagues at the University of Southern California, representing one of the first identified mitochondrial-derived peptides (MDPs) with metabolic regulatory functions. This discovery established the concept that the mitochondrial genome encodes bioactive peptides with endocrine-like functions beyond oxidative phosphorylation.
Research has demonstrated that MOTS-c targets skeletal muscle to enhance glucose metabolism through AMPK activation, functioning as a "mitochondrial exercise mimetic." Studies show that MOTS-c levels are activated by physical exercise and decline with aging, creating a direct link between mitochondrial peptide signaling, metabolic fitness, and age-related metabolic decline.
A 2021 study showed synergistic effects between MOTS-c treatment and exercise intervention on glucose metabolism and insulin resistance, suggesting MOTS-c may amplify exercise-induced metabolic benefits. The peptide has also been studied in obesity, diabetes, and osteoporosis research contexts.
Published Research
MOTS-c is described as a "motion simulator" that systematically regulates glucose metabolism in the body and enhances muscle insulin sensitivity through AMPK activation.
MOTS-c and exercise synergistically attenuate insulin resistance and enhance glucose metabolism both in vitro and in vivo.
MOTS-c targets skeletal muscle and enhances glucose metabolism with implications for obesity and diabetes regulation.
Chemical Profile
| Sequence | MRWQEMGYIFYPRKLR (16 amino acids, encoded by mitochondrial 12S rRNA gene) |
| Molecular Formula | C₁₀₁H₁₅₂N₂₈O₂₅S₂ |
| Molecular Weight | 2174.58 g/mol |
| CAS Number | 1627580-64-6 |
| Half-Life | Circulating levels detectable in plasma; endogenous levels decline with age |
| Solubility | Soluble in sterile water and DMSO at research concentrations |
| Bioavailability | Systemic bioactivity demonstrated via intraperitoneal injection in research models |
Research Applications
References & Further Reading
- MOTS-c — Wikipedia— Wikipedia
- MOTS-c Peptide — PubMed Search— PubMed
- MOTS-c Effects and Mechanisms — PMC Review— PMC / NIH
Research Use Only
This product is intended solely for laboratory research, analytical testing, and educational purposes. NOT FOR HUMAN CONSUMPTION. NOT FOR MEDICAL, VETERINARY, OR DIAGNOSTIC USE. This product has not been evaluated by the FDA.
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