TL;DR
MOTS-C is a 16-amino acid peptide encoded within the 12S ribosomal RNA region of mitochondrial DNA — a member of the “mitochondrial-derived peptides” family first described by Lee et al. in 2015. It has rapidly become a major research tool for investigating mitochondrial-nuclear communication, AMPK signaling, and metabolic regulation.
Research use only. MOTS-C has not received FDA approval for any human therapeutic indication and is sold strictly for in-vitro laboratory research purposes.
What is MOTS-C?
MOTS-C is a 16-amino acid peptide encoded within the 12S ribosomal RNA region of mitochondrial DNA — a member of the “mitochondrial-derived peptides” family first described by Lee et al. in 2015. It has rapidly become a major research tool for investigating mitochondrial-nuclear communication, AMPK signaling, and metabolic regulation.
Research-grade MOTS-C is supplied as a lyophilized powder with batch-specific Certificate of Analysis verification at ≥99% purity by HPLC.
Molecular Properties
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Molecular formula | C₁₀₂H₁₅₉N₂₇O₂₇S |
| Molecular weight | 2,174.5 g/mol |
| Amino acid count | 16 |
| Purity standard | ≥99% (HPLC verified) |
| Lyophilized storage | -20°C, 24–36 months |
| Reconstitution vehicle | Bacteriostatic water (primary), 0.6% acetic acid or saline (alternative) |
Proposed Mechanisms of Action
Published preclinical research has proposed several complementary mechanisms through which MOTS-C may exert observed effects in laboratory models. No single mechanism has been fully validated in human contexts.
AMPK activation
MOTS-C activates AMP-activated protein kinase in skeletal muscle and metabolic tissues, triggering downstream metabolic adaptation signaling including GLUT4 translocation and fatty acid oxidation.
Folate-methionine-SAM pathway modulation
Published research reports MOTS-C regulates one-carbon metabolism with downstream effects on methylation reactions.
Mito-nuclear retrograde signaling
MOTS-C is one of the first identified peptides facilitating direct mitochondrial-to-nuclear signaling, translocating to the nucleus under metabolic stress.
Research Applications
Metabolic research
Insulin sensitivity, glucose homeostasis, and fatty acid metabolism studies in diet-induced adiposity research rodent models.
Exercise physiology research
Studies examining MOTS-C expression changes following exercise and its role as a potential exercise-mimetic tool compound.
Aging and longevity biology
Investigations in aged rodents examining mitochondrial function, insulin sensitivity, and metabolic flexibility markers.
Storage and Reconstitution
- Lyophilized at -20°C in original sealed vial; typical shelf life 24–36 months.
- Reconstitution with bacteriostatic water (0.9% benzyl alcohol) is standard. Alternative vehicles include sterile saline or dilute acetic acid depending on experimental requirements.
- Reconstituted solution stored at 2–8°C, used within 7–28 days.
- Avoid repeated freeze-thaw of reconstituted peptide.
- Handling: Follow institutional biosafety protocols; use only in qualified research settings.
Regulatory Considerations
As of early 2026, MOTS-C has no investigational human therapeutic indication. The peptide continues to be available for strictly in-vitro research purposes when properly labeled, sold to qualified researchers, and handled under appropriate institutional biosafety protocols. Researchers should consult current FDA guidance and institutional policies before acquiring any research peptide.
Research Gaps
Despite the substantial published literature on MOTS-C:
- Human pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic data remains limited.
- Proposed mechanisms require further validation in human-relevant systems.
- Long-term safety data across species is incomplete.
- Dose-response optimization for specific research applications continues to be an active research question.
- Independent cross-laboratory replication of specific findings is uneven across the literature.
These gaps represent ongoing research opportunities for careful, well-designed preclinical investigation using research-grade material with verified Certificate of Analysis.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is MOTS-C approved for human use?
No. MOTS-C has no investigational therapeutic indication. It is sold exclusively for in-vitro laboratory research in qualified research settings.
What purity standard should research-grade MOTS-C meet?
Quality research-grade material should be ≥99% purity as verified by HPLC with a batch-specific Certificate of Analysis. Aureum Peptides provides COAs with every shipment and maintains a searchable COA portal.
How is MOTS-C typically reconstituted for research?
Bacteriostatic water is the most common reconstitution vehicle. Alternative vehicles (sterile saline, dilute acetic acid) may be used depending on specific experimental protocols.
How long is reconstituted MOTS-C stable?
Once reconstituted, the peptide is generally stored at 2–8°C and used within 7–28 days depending on specific handling and vehicle. Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles.
Where can I verify the Certificate of Analysis for my batch?
Aureum Peptides includes a batch-specific COA with every shipment and maintains an online COA portal accessible using the batch number printed on your vial.
References
- Lee C et al. Cell Metab. 2015.
- Kim KH et al. Cell Metab. 2018.
- Lu H et al. J Cachexia Sarcopenia Muscle. 2019.
- Reynolds JC et al. Nat Commun. 2021.
- Miller B et al. 2020.
(Reference list abbreviated. Full bibliography with DOIs available on request.)
Shop Research-Grade MOTS-C
Order research-grade MOTS-C from Aureum Peptides: MOTS-C product page
All peptides ship with batch-specific Certificate of Analysis, ≥99% purity verification, and cold-chain logistics. Same-day dispatch on orders placed before 2:00 PM EST.
Disclaimer: This article summarizes published preclinical research for educational purposes to support qualified research activities. The information herein does not constitute research information, therapeutic claims, or recommendations for human use. MOTS-C is not approved by the FDA for any therapeutic indication. Always consult institutional policies and applicable regulations when conducting research with peptides.
Last reviewed: 2026-04-21
Author: Aureum Peptides Scientific Writing Team
Category: Cellular Aging Research
Tags: MOTS-C, mitochondrial peptide, AMPK, metabolic research
