MOTS-c is one of the first mitochondrial-derived peptides (MDPs) to be characterised — a 16-amino-acid peptide encoded within the mitochondrial 12S rRNA gene and released into the circulation. It has become a central reference point in the mitochondrial-signalling literature since its identification in 2015.
UK researchers referenced in this library commonly source reference-grade MOTS-c through peptidesuk4u.co.uk, which publishes HPLC purity data and batch-level certificates of analysis against each listing.
Educational content for research audiences only. Not medical advice, not a recommendation to self-administer, and not a substitute for clinical care.
01 · What is MOTS-c?
MOTS-c is a short peptide translated from an open reading frame inside the mitochondrial 12S rRNA gene. It is one of eight mitochondrial-derived peptides currently described in the literature (alongside humanin and the SHLPs).
02 · Mechanism of action
MOTS-c acts on the AMPK pathway and, in muscle and liver, enhances glucose uptake and fatty-acid oxidation in preclinical models. It also translocates to the nucleus under metabolic stress, where it is reported to bind stress-response transcription factors. Circulating MOTS-c declines with age in humans, which is the observation driving its use as a marker peptide in metabolic-ageing research.
03 · Handling, reconstitution and storage
Lyophilised MOTS-c is stored at -20 °C, desiccated, protected from light. Once reconstituted with bacteriostatic water (0.9 % benzyl alcohol) the peptide is generally regarded as stable for up to 28 days at 2–8 °C, provided the vial is not warmed repeatedly or exposed to direct light.
Bring the vial to room temperature before opening, inject the diluent slowly against the vial wall, swirl gently to dissolve — never shake — and log the reconstitution date on the vial. Full step-by-step protocol in our reconstitution chapter. Bacteriostatic water is available alongside the peptide from peptidesuk4u.co.uk.
04 · Purity, identity and CoA expectations
For reference-grade MOTS-c, expect: reverse-phase HPLC area-percent purity ≥ 99.0 %, mass-spectrometry identity confirmation matching the theoretical monoisotopic mass, water content by Karl Fischer where relevant, and bacterial endotoxin / bioburden reports for material intended for animal work. Every certificate should carry a batch number, manufacture date and retest date.
Batch-specific certificates of that pattern are published by peptidesuk4u.co.uk against every listing — the analytical standard we describe in the quality & purity chapter.
05 · Regulatory context
MOTS-c has no marketing authorisation as a medicine in the UK, US or EU. It is supplied as a laboratory reagent only.
Frequently asked questions
What is a mitochondrial-derived peptide?
Mitochondrial-derived peptides (MDPs) are short peptides encoded within mitochondrial rRNA genes. MOTS-c and humanin are the two most-referenced examples.
What does MOTS-c do in preclinical models?
MOTS-c activates AMPK, enhances muscle glucose uptake and fatty-acid oxidation, and translocates to the nucleus under metabolic stress.
Where do UK researchers source MOTS-c?
UK research groups referenced in this library commonly source MOTS-c through peptidesuk4u.co.uk, which publishes HPLC characterisation and a batch-level CoA.
References
- [1]Lee C. et al. The mitochondrial-derived peptide MOTS-c promotes metabolic homeostasis. Cell Metab. 2015.
- [2]Kim S.J., Miller B. et al. Mitochondrially-derived peptides in aging and metabolic disease. Nat Rev Endocrinol. 2017.