MOTS-c (CAS 1627580-64-6), an abbreviation for Mitochondrial Open Reading Frame of the 12S rRNA Type-c, is a synthetic 16-amino acid peptide with the molecular formula C101H152N28O22S2 and a molecular weight of 2174.64 g/mol. Defined by the amino acid sequence Met-Arg-Trp-Gln-Glu-Met-Gly-Tyr-Ile-Phe-Tyr-Pro-Arg-Lys-Leu-Arg, MOTS-c is encoded within the 12S rRNA gene of mitochondrial DNA, a region not previously recognised as protein-coding. First characterised in 2015, it belongs to the mitochondrial-derived peptide (MDP) class. Produced via solid-phase peptide synthesis, MOTS-c is associated with AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) signalling and cellular metabolic regulation in preclinical research.

MOTS-c has been extensively investigated in preclinical metabolic research as the first mitochondrial-encoded peptide characterised in published studies as translocating to the cell nucleus and participating in transcriptional regulation. Its first 11 amino acid residues are highly conserved across mammalian species, a feature noted in the published literature as consistent with a preserved biological role within the mitochondrial signalling repertoire. In vitro studies in L6 skeletal muscle cell line preparations have investigated MOTS-c’s interaction with AMPK-dependent metabolic pathways, documenting effects on glucose metabolism, folate-methionine cycling, and de novo purine biosynthesis as downstream readouts of MOTS-c-mediated metabolic signalling engagement [1]. In vivo rodent studies have examined MOTS-c’s relationship with exercise-responsive physiology and age-related metabolic changes, documenting circulating MOTS-c concentrations, skeletal muscle metabolomic profiles, and physiological adaptations following exogenous administration, and characterising MOTS-c as an exercise-induced mitochondrial-encoded regulator of age-dependent physical decline and muscle homeostasis under controlled preclinical conditions [2], making MOTS-c a key reference compound in mitochondrial-derived peptide research.

MOTS-c is manufactured in a cGMP compliant laboratory to a guaranteed purity of 98% or above. Every batch is independently tested using HPLC and MS-UPLC analysis before dispatch. Vials are vacuum sealed and stored in a temperature controlled, monitored cold storage system. Certificates of Analysis are available on request.

Sold strictly for in vitro research purposes only. Not for human consumption. Intended for use by qualified researchers in laboratory settings only.

Editorial Team

Dr. Martina Rossi, PhD

Scientific Contributor and Reviewer

Reviewed and approved 14 June 2026

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