MOTS-c: Mitochondrial-Derived Peptide Research

MOTS-c (Mitochondrial Open reading frame of the Twelve S rRNA type-c) is a 16-amino-acid mitochondrial-derived peptide with the sequence MRWQEMGYIFYPRKLR and a molecular weight of approximately 2,174 Da. It is encoded within the 12S rRNA region of mitochondrial DNA and has become a reference compound in preclinical metabolic-signaling research. Research-grade preparations target ≥99% purity by RP-HPLC with ESI-MS identity confirmation.

Origin and Structure

Unlike classical secretagogues, MOTS-c belongs to a class of peptides encoded by short open reading frames in the mitochondrial genome. This mitochondrial origin is the feature most often highlighted in the literature, since it positions MOTS-c within the study of mitochondrial-to-nuclear signaling rather than conventional pituitary or receptor pathways.

Metabolic Signaling Context

In published in-vitro and in-vivo research models, MOTS-c is studied for its association with AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) signaling and cellular metabolic regulation. It is frequently used as a tool compound in experiments examining glucose handling, metabolic stress responses, and mitochondrial signaling at the cellular level.

Research Applications

MOTS-c is used as a reference peptide in laboratory studies of mitochondrial-derived peptides and metabolic pathways. It is supplied strictly for in-vitro laboratory research by qualified persons and is not for human or veterinary use, and no efficacy or outcome claims are made.

Handling and Documentation

Supplied lyophilized, MOTS-c is reconstituted with bacteriostatic or sterile water for research use and stored frozen to limit freeze-thaw cycling. Each batch carries a numbered certificate of analysis with RP-HPLC purity and ESI-MS identity, available from the batch verification tool.