MOTS-c Peptide Specifications
| Property | Value |
| Name | MOTS-c |
| CAS Number | 1627580-64-6 |
| Peptide Sequence | MRWQEMGYXFYPRKLR |
| Molecular Formula | C101H152N28O22S2 |
| Molecular Weight | 2174.6 g/mol |
| PubChem CID | 155885767 |
| Synonyms | MOTS-c (human), 1627580-64-6, MOTS-c Human Acetate |
| Vial Size | MOTS-c (human) 10mg, MOTS-c (human) 20mg, MOTS-c (human) 40mg |
| Purity (HPLC) | ≥99.0% |
MOTS-c Features
- Research-Use Designation: Engineered solely for laboratory evaluation and life science research applications; not intended for human or veterinary use.
- Lyophilized Peptide Format: Delivered as a stable, freeze-dried white powder to maximize shelf life and protect structural integrity.
- Mitochondrial Genomic Origin: Represents a 16-amino acid signaling peptide encoded within the mitochondrial DNA 12S rRNA region.
- Rigorous Purity Standards: Manufactured under stringent laboratory conditions to guarantee high analytical purity (usually >=98% via HPLC analysis).
- Precise Storage Requirements: Requiring temperature-controlled environments in order to minimize structural degradation and ensure long-term stability, precise storage requirements should be carefully considered and met.
- Flexible Reconstitution Profiles: Provide predictable solubility characteristics when introduced into standard laboratory solvents or bacteriostatic water solutions.
Product Overview
Modern mitochondrial biology has undergone a dramatic transition, from seeing it solely as an energy producer to understanding it as an active coordinator of cell communication. MOTS-c is at the core of this change – an naturally occurring 16-amino acid peptide which marks an unprecedented breakthrough in molecular genetics and cell biology. MOTS-c’s blueprint lies within mitochondrial DNA itself rather than within nuclear genome; more specifically it’s encoded from open reading frame of 12S ribosomal RNA gene.
Research Use MOTS-c has recently become a focal point of life science research in the US, Canada, and Australia. Researchers use this peptide to map retro-grade signaling networks involving mitochondria interacting directly with cell nuclei to regulate nuclear gene expression via retrograde signaling pathways. As mitochondria play an integral part in maintaining homeostatic regulation of cells, understanding its interactions with various intracellular receptors and cascades provides key insight into basic biological functions.
Commercially produced MOTS-c preparations are ideal research tools. Lyophilization removes moisture from the synthesized peptide matrix, effectively stopping degradation while protecting delicate bonds from hydrolysis and assuring structural consistency of MOTS-c for use by research institutions. Laboratory protocols often examine MOTS-c under different experimental conditions to assess its effect on cell respiration, regulatory enzyme phosphorylation and nutrient sensing pathways within cultures or animals models.
What Is MOTS-c?
In order to understand MOTS-c within life sciences, it’s essential to examine its structure classification and history of scientific discovery. First discovered by an independent research team investigating non-coding regions of mitochondrial genome in 2015, MOTS-c stands for Mitochondrial Open Reading Frame of 12S rRNA-c and represents an intriguing discovery which goes against long-held assumptions that only 13 proteins, 22 tRNAs, and 2 rRNAs existed within its genome.
MOTS-c is classified as a mitochondrial-derived peptide (MDP). It possesses an unusual primary structure made up of 16 consecutive amino acids:
Met-Arg-Trp-Gln-Glu-Met-Gly-Tyr-Ile-Phe-Trp-Ala-Leu-Pro-Asp-Leu
This specific sequence determines its spatial folding patterns and chemical affinity for certain cellular elements.
Historical interest in mitochondrial differential proteins (MDPs) rose when researchers realized that mitochondria possess an autonomous system for producing signaling molecules which exert systemic effects within their host organism. MOTS-c is particularly noteworthy as it can translocate directly from mitochondria into the nucleus during times of stress, acting as transcriptional repressor/activator to orchestrate adaptive responses within nuclear genes – this intricate crosstalk remains one of the most vigorously researched areas in modern molecular biology.
MOTS-c in Scientific Research
Laboratory investigations employing the MOTS-c Peptide are dependent upon rigorous in vitro methodologies to monitor basic cellular mechanics. Researchers typically utilize murine or human immortalized cell lines containing murine or human immortalized cell cultures in order to monitor changes in intracellular enzyme activity; one primary area of research concerns activating AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), an energy balance regulator in cells. To achieve accurate measurements of its activation following exposure to specific concentrations of MOTS-c Peptide.
Experimental peptide studies often focus on cell nutrient uptake models. By closely tracking translocation of specific glucose transporter proteins (such as GLUT4) within cell membranes under laboratory environments, scientists collect information regarding how the peptide influences autonomous cellular nutrient distribution. Such experiments include stringent controls to isolate its effects from background systemic variables.
Research methodology considerations extend beyond animal models into human health studies by investigating endogenous MOTS-c expression during different environmental states in animal models. Investigators observe how native peptide levels fluctuate during periods of biological stress in tissue biopsies taken during tissue biopsies taken before and after exogenous MOTS-c Research Peptide injection; then use this data as comparison with data gained through exogenous injection of MOTS-c Research Peptide into animals for comparative analysis by scientists worldwide. Through such comparative frameworks, scientists continue mapping out fundamental boundaries regarding mitochondrial genomic effects on survival and adaptation among cells.
Scientific Background
MOTS-c is grounded in an expanding literature on mitochondrial-derived peptides (MDPs), such as humanin and SHLPs. Together these molecules make up an intricate network of signaling factors responsible for cell signaling; MDPs in particular are recognized as humoral factors which exert localized (autocrine/paracrine) effects or travel through extracellular fluids to reach distant target tissues.

Ongoing literature analysis indicates that MOTS-c is intricately linked with both the folate cycle and purine biosynthesis pathways, impacting levels of intermediates involved in purine nucleotide synthesis to increase 5-aminoimidazole-4-carboxamide ribonucleotide (AICAR), an activator of AMPK. This interaction highlights how mitochondrial gene products can influence wider cell operations through complex molecular mechanisms.
Investigative efforts currently include:
- Epigenetic Regulation: Exploring how MOTS-c changes histone methylation or acetylation patterns within the nucleus.
- Organelle Interactions: Examining how MOTS-c influences physical interactions and structural tethering between mitochondria and endoplasmic reticulum (ER).
- Proteomic Alterations: Mass spectrometry can be used to evaluate global protein expression changes within cells exposed to different MDP concentrations.
Storage and Handling Guidelines (SHGs)
Adherence to exact MOTS-c Storage and handling protocols is absolutely crucial in order to preserve its structural integrity. Peptides bind together using amide bonds which may become vulnerable in response to environmental stressors like temperature elevation, moisture accumulation and UV radiation exposure.
Temperature Considerations
Once received at a research facility, un-reconstituted, lyophilized vials should be stored at -20 for long-term stability (up to 24 months). For shorter storage extending up to several weeks, standard refrigeration between 2-8 degrees Fahrenheit usually suffices. Avoid frequent freeze-thaw cycles as their thermal stress could result in physical shearing of the peptide structure.
Moisture and Light Protection.
Peptides are highly hygroscopic substances, meaning that they absorb ambient moisture quickly. Exposure to humidity can quickly lead to hydrolytic degradation; to protect vials from hydrolytic degradation in such conditions, store in an ambient desiccated environment and store away from direct sunlight and lab UV sources which may break fragile aromatic amino acid rings in MOTS-c sequence.
Laboratory Handling Practices
Before opening or piercing the vial stopper or adding reconstitution solvent, allow it to slowly warm to room temperature. Aliquoting directly after removal from cold storage may cause moisture from its surroundings to condense inside, quickly degrading your sample. For optimal dissolution and stability of fragile molecular structures, avoid violent agitation or vortexing when handling reconstituted solutions; rather use gentle swirling instead for optimal dissolution results.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What Is MOTS-c?
MOTS-c is a 16 amino acid peptide transcribed from the mitochondrial 12S rRNA gene and classified as an MDP, meaning mitochondrial-derived peptide. Researchers have studied it extensively as it may play a role in signaling between mitochondria and cell nuclei.
How should MOTS-c be stored?
Long-term preservation requires that lyophilized MOTS-c be stored at -20 for long-term preservation, while its reconstitution solutions should be stored refrigerated between 2-8 degrees and used within an acceptable experiment timeframe. To avoid degradation, all materials should be used within limited experimental timespan.
What does “Lyophilized Peptides” refer to?
Lyophilization is a freeze-drying process that uses liquid nitrogen to convert peptide solution to dry powder that protects it from chemical breakdown and extends shelf life for laboratory research.
Does MOTS-c are designed for research use?
MOTS-c is specifically designated as a research peptide and should only be produced for in vitro laboratory assays and animal experimentation by trained professional scientists.
What is Peptide Reconstitution?
Reconstitution of peptides involves adding a sterile liquid solvent–typically bacteriostatic water or normal saline–to lyophilized powders in order to convert them back to liquid state for laboratory measurement and testing.
What are mitochondrial-derived peptides?
Mitochondria-derived peptides (MDPs) are small functional proteins encoded directly within the mitochondrial genome rather than nuclear genome, that serve as primary retrograde signaling molecules to maintain homeostasis within cells.
Can MOTS-c be frozen once reconstituted?
Freezing peptides after they have been dissolved in a solvent is generally discouraged as the formation of ice crystals may damage delicate bonds between amino acids, ultimately decreasing purity and concentration of the active compound.
What is the purity level of this research peptide?
This product meets or exceeds an analytical purity standard of 98% or greater as determined through High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) and Mass Spectrometry (MS) testing.
Research Notes
Notice to Investigators: This material is categorized as a laboratory reagent intended exclusively for life science research and educational purposes. All experimental procedures involving the MOTS-c Research Peptide must be conducted within controlled laboratory environments that adhere to standard biosafety protocols. This product is not a drug, medical device, or food product, and is explicitly restricted from any form of human administration or clinical evaluation.
Scientific References
For deeper investigation into the properties of MOTS-c, researchers are encouraged to consult authoritative papers indexed within major scientific databases:
- Peer-Reviewed Journals: Look for foundational studies published in Cell Metabolism, Nature Communications, and The Journal of Clinical Investigation regarding the original discovery and characterization of the 12S rRNA open reading frame.
- Research Institutions: Review academic repository updates from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) or university molecular biology divisions studying mitochondrial genetics.
- Scientific Databases: Consult NCBI PubMed, PubChem (CID 117871146), and UniProt for precise genomic mappings, amino acid sequencing structural profiles, and biochemical characteristics.
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⚠ Intended Use
All products are intended for in vitro laboratory research use only.
They are strictly prohibited for administration to humans or animals, and must not be used for diagnostic, therapeutic, or clinical applications.
Storage and Handling
Store lyophilized powder at –20°C.
After reconstitution (for laboratory analysis), store at 2–8°C.
Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles.
Maintain aseptic technique during handling.







