Description
MOTS-c
Mitochondrial ORF of 12S rRNA-c
A 16-amino-acid peptide encoded by the mitochondrial genome itself — uniquely positioned at the intersection of metabolism, exercise physiology, and longevity research.
The first of a new class — peptides encoded by the mitochondria themselves.
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MOTS-c (Mitochondrial Open Reading Frame of the 12S rRNA type-c) is a 16-amino-acid peptide encoded not in the nuclear DNA, but within the mitochondrial genome — placing it in a small and still-expanding class of mitochondrial-derived peptides (MDPs) that appear to act as signalling molecules between the mitochondria and the rest of the cell. At Guardian Labs, we provide research-grade MOTS-c rigorously tested to ensure purity exceeding ninety-nine percent — ensuring your laboratory data regarding metabolic homeostasis, AMPK activation, and exercise-adjacent pathways remains accurate and reproducible. |
Unlike most peptides, MOTS-c originates within the mitochondrion itself — framing it as an evolutionary communicator between the cell’s energy centre and the nuclear genome that controls its fate.
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A retrograde signal — from the mitochondrion to the nucleus.
i
AMPK ActivationActivates the AMP-activated protein kinase pathway — a central regulator of cellular energy homeostasis and metabolic adaptation. |
ii
Folate-Methionine CycleModulates one-carbon metabolism by targeting the folate cycle, linking methyl-donor availability to mitochondrial signalling. |
iii
Nuclear TranslocationTranslocates to the nucleus under metabolic stress, where it regulates nuclear gene expression and the cellular stress response. |
iv
Glucose UtilizationEnhances glucose uptake and insulin sensitivity in skeletal muscle — a primary basis for metabolic research interest. |
On Mitochondrial Communication
Where most cellular signalling flows from nucleus to mitochondria, MOTS-c represents a rare example of the reverse — a peptide produced by the mitochondria that directly influences nuclear gene expression. This retrograde signalling has made MOTS-c a foundational subject in the emerging field of mitochondrial-nuclear crosstalk.
Primary subjects of investigation — strictly laboratory use.
A.01Metabolic HomeostasisResearch into insulin sensitivity, glucose metabolism, and protection against metabolic dysfunction in diet-induced models. |
A.02Exercise PhysiologyInvestigations into exercise-induced MOTS-c expression, physical performance, and the cellular basis of adaptive response. |
A.03Longevity & HealthspanStudies examining age-related decline of circulating MOTS-c and the effect of restoration on healthspan markers in aged models. |
A.04Mitochondrial BiologyFoundational research into mitochondrial-derived peptides, retrograde signalling, and mitochondrial-nuclear crosstalk. |
Peer-reviewed literature supporting the research potential of this peptide.
| i. |
Identification & Metabolic FunctionThe foundational study identifying MOTS-c as a mitochondrial-derived peptide demonstrated that it targets the folate-methionine cycle, activates AMPK, and improves metabolic homeostasis in both cell culture and rodent models of diet-induced obesity and insulin resistance. |
View on PubMed → |
| ii. |
Exercise & Physical PerformanceResearchers reported that exercise acutely increases circulating MOTS-c in both humans and rodents, and that MOTS-c administration improves physical performance and delays fatigue in aged models — linking the peptide to the cellular adaptations of exercise. |
View on PubMed → |
| iii. |
Age-Related DeclineInvestigators demonstrated that circulating MOTS-c levels decline with age, and that restoration in aged mice was associated with improvements in healthspan markers including metabolic flexibility, glucose tolerance, and physical capacity. |
View on PubMed → |
| iv. |
Stress-Induced Nuclear TranslocationSubsequent work demonstrated that MOTS-c translocates to the nucleus under conditions of metabolic stress, where it regulates the expression of nuclear genes involved in the antioxidant and stress response — providing a mechanism for its retrograde signalling. |
View on PubMed → |
Certificate of analysis available upon request.
| Sequence | Met-Arg-Trp-Gln-Glu-Met-Gly-Tyr-Ile-Phe-Tyr-Pro-Arg-Lys-Leu-Arg |
| Molecular Formula | C₁₀₀H₁₆₂N₃₀O₂₆S₂ |
| Molecular Weight | 2174.60 g/mol |
| CAS Number | 1627580-64-6 |
| Format | Lyophilized Powder (Freeze-dried) |
| Vial Size | 40 mg |
| Purity | > 99% (HPLC Verified) |
| Storage | Store at −20°C |
| Reconstitution | Bacteriostatic Water |
All products listed are intended exclusively for laboratory research and development purposes. They are not intended for human consumption, diagnostic, or therapeutic use. Customers must be at least 18 years of age to purchase.
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