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.
| 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.
|
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.01
Metabolic HomeostasisResearch into insulin sensitivity, glucose metabolism, and protection against metabolic dysfunction in diet-induced models. |
A.02
Exercise PhysiologyInvestigations into exercise-induced MOTS-c expression, physical performance, and the cellular basis of adaptive response. |
A.03
Longevity & HealthspanStudies examining age-related decline of circulating MOTS-c and the effect of restoration on healthspan markers in aged models. |
A.04
Mitochondrial 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 |
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