Compound Profiles
MOTS-c: The Mitochondrial-Derived Peptide in Metabolic Research
Healthy Aminos Research Team · · 6 min read
Molecular Profile
MOTS-c (Mitochondrial Open Reading Frame of the 12S rRNA Type-C) is a 16-amino acid peptide encoded by the mitochondrial genome — not the nuclear genome. Molecular weight: 2174.69 Da (CAS: 1627580-64-6). Sequence: Met-Arg-Trp-Gln-Glu-Met-Gly-Tyr-Ile-Phe-Tyr-Pro-Arg-Lys-Leu-Arg.
MOTS-c was discovered in 2015 and represents a novel class of signaling molecules: mitochondrial-derived peptides (MDPs). Its discovery established that the mitochondrial genome encodes bioactive peptides beyond the 13 proteins previously known.
Published Research
### Foundational Discovery
[Lee et al. (2015)](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25738459/) published the foundational paper in Cell Metabolism characterizing MOTS-c. The study demonstrated that MOTS-c activated AMPK signaling and modulated the folate-methionine cycle. In mouse models, administration was associated with measurable changes in metabolic parameters including glucose homeostasis markers.
### Nuclear Translocation
[Kim et al. (2018)](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29983246/) made a landmark observation: MOTS-c was demonstrated to translocate from the cytoplasm to the nucleus under metabolic stress conditions. This was the first evidence of a mitochondrial-encoded peptide directly regulating nuclear gene expression — a novel form of retrograde (mitochondria-to-nucleus) signaling.
### Adipose Homeostasis
[Lu et al. (2019)](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30725119/) examined MOTS-c in mouse models of diet-induced metabolic changes. The study reported observations on adipose tissue markers and energy expenditure measurements in treated versus control groups.
Research Status
MOTS-c is in early-stage research. Published data is primarily from cell culture and animal models. The peptide's unique origin (mitochondrial genome) makes it of particular interest in aging and metabolic research.
Research-grade [MOTS-c](/peptides/anti-aging/mots-c) is available in 10mg vials with ≥98% HPLC purity.
*All Healthy Aminos products are for research use only. Not for human or animal consumption. Not FDA approved.*
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FOR RESEARCH USE ONLY. Products sold by Healthy Aminos are intended strictly for in-vitro research and laboratory use. Not for human or animal consumption. Not FDA approved. By purchasing from Healthy Aminos, the buyer acknowledges that these products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. All products are sold as reference standards and research chemicals only.