MOTS-c (Mitochondrial Open Reading Frame of the 12S rRNA Type-c) is a mitochondrial-derived peptide first identified in 2015 by researchers at the University of Southern California. Its discovery expanded scientific understanding of how mitochondrial DNA communicates with the nuclear genome and regulates metabolic function.
MOTS-c was identified by Dr. Changhan David Lee’s laboratory and first published in Cell Metabolism. The discovery demonstrated that mitochondria are not solely responsible for energy production, but also generate signaling peptides capable of influencing systemic metabolic activity.
Molecular formula: C101H152N28O22S2
Molecular weight: 2174.64 g/mol
Research indicates that MOTS-c activates the AMPK (AMP-activated protein kinase) pathway, a major regulator of cellular energy homeostasis. AMPK signaling is associated with glucose uptake, fatty acid oxidation, and mitochondrial biogenesis.
Additional studies have examined MOTS-c’s role in folate-methionine metabolism and its influence on cellular metabolic adaptation under conditions of stress and energy demand.
Published research has explored MOTS-c in models involving insulin sensitivity, glucose metabolism, obesity, exercise physiology, and age-related metabolic decline. Experimental findings have suggested potential effects on metabolic flexibility and cellular energy regulation.
Research has also investigated the peptide’s relationship with mitochondrial health and systemic metabolic signaling, contributing to growing interest in mitochondrial-derived peptides as a broader category of study.
MOTS-c has become an area of interest in exercise science and aging research. Studies suggest that physical activity may naturally increase MOTS-c expression, and researchers continue to investigate whether the peptide contributes to some of the metabolic adaptations associated with exercise.
Additional preclinical studies have examined age-related declines in MOTS-c levels and their relationship to physical performance and metabolic resilience in aging models.
MOTS-c is supplied as a lyophilized powder for research purposes. Store at -20°C prior to reconstitution. Once reconstituted with bacteriostatic water, refrigerate at 2–8°C and avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles.
At White Label Research, MOTS-c undergoes third-party HPLC and mass spectrometry testing to verify identity and purity. Certificates of analysis are available on the product page. Our standard threshold is ≥99% purity.
