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MOTS-C

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Research brief

MOTS-c — Canada Research Brief

Last updated April 11, 2026

MOTS-c is a 16-amino-acid mitochondrial-derived peptide encoded within the 12S rRNA gene, studied preclinically for AMPK signalling, glucose homeostasis, and metabolic adaptation to exercise.

Key facts

Canonical nameMOTS-c
Alternate namesMitochondrial open reading frame of the 12S rRNA type-c, MOTSc
Drug classMitochondrial-derived peptide (metabolic signalling)
CAS number1627580-64-6
Molecular formulaC101H152N28O22S2
Molecular weight2174.62 g/mol
SequenceMet-Arg-Trp-Gln-Glu-Met-Gly-Tyr-Ile-Phe-Tyr-Pro-Arg-Lys-Leu-Arg
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Reconstitution Guide

Add bacteriostatic water to achieve your desired concentration:

1ml BAC water5.0mg/ml
2ml BAC water2.5mg/ml
2.5ml BAC water2.0mg/ml

Inject water slowly against vial wall. Swirl gently, do not shake.

About This Product

MOTS-C Canada - Mitochondrial Research Peptide MOTS-c, a 16-amino acid peptide encoded in the mitochondrial genome, represents an exciting frontier in mitochondrial biology research. This mitochondrial-derived peptide (MDP) provides researchers with tools to study the metabolic communication between mitochondria and the nucleus. MITOCHONDRIAL ORIGIN Unlike nuclear-encoded peptides, MOTS-c originates from a short open reading frame within the 12S rRNA gene of mitochondrial DNA. This makes it a genuine "mitokine" - a signaling molecule through which mitochondria communicate metabolic status to other cellular compartments. RESEARCH DOMAINS Scientists study MOTS-c in contexts including: • AMPK activation pathways • Glucose metabolism regulation • Exercise mimetic effects • Insulin sensitivi...

Form

Lyophilized Powder

Quantity

5mg

Storage

-20°C

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Research brief

MOTS-c — Canada Research Brief

Discovery and context

MOTS-c was identified by Changhan Lee and colleagues at USC in 2015 through systematic bioinformatic scanning of the mitochondrial 12S rRNA gene for small open reading frames (sORFs). They then synthesised the predicted peptide, demonstrated its presence in human plasma, and reported its metabolic effects in mice on a high-fat diet.

The broader context is the emerging concept of mitochondrial-derived peptides (MDPs) — short peptides translated from mitochondrial DNA sORFs that act as signalling molecules between mitochondria and the nucleus. Humanin was the first MDP identified; MOTS-c, SHLPs, and others followed.

Preclinical pathways

  1. AMPK activation. MOTS-c treatment has been reported to activate the AMPK pathway in skeletal muscle and adipose tissue, producing effects that resemble the metabolic signature of exercise — improved glucose uptake, fatty-acid oxidation, and mitochondrial biogenesis.
  2. Insulin sensitisation. In diet-induced obese mice and in age-related insulin resistance models, MOTS-c has been shown to improve insulin sensitivity and glucose tolerance.
  3. Exercise adaptation. Reynolds et al. (Nature Communications 2021) reported that MOTS-c levels rise with exercise and that exogenous MOTS-c preserves physical performance in ageing mice.

Storage

Store lyophilised MOTS-c at −20°C. Once reconstituted, refrigerate at 2–8°C and use within 2–4 weeks.

Frequently asked questions

What is MOTS-c?
MOTS-c (Mitochondrial ORF of the 12S rRNA type-c) is a 16-amino-acid peptide encoded within the mitochondrial 12S ribosomal RNA gene. It is a member of a growing class of "mitochondrial-derived peptides" that act as mitochondrial-to-nuclear messengers regulating metabolism and stress adaptation.
How was MOTS-c discovered?
MOTS-c was identified by Lee et al. in 2015 through bioinformatic scanning of the mitochondrial genome for small open reading frames. They showed that the peptide circulates in human plasma and that its levels decline with age, making it a candidate biomarker and therapeutic target for age-related metabolic dysfunction.
What pathways does MOTS-c affect?
The most-cited pathway is AMPK signalling. In skeletal muscle and adipose tissue, MOTS-c has been reported to activate AMPK, promote insulin sensitivity, and produce exercise-like metabolic adaptations. Preclinical rodent studies have examined effects on high-fat-diet-induced obesity and on age-related insulin resistance.
What is MOTS-c's molecular weight?
MOTS-c has a molecular weight of approximately 2,174.62 g/mol and a molecular formula of C101H152N28O22S2 (per Wikipedia / PubChem). Its sequence is Met-Arg-Trp-Gln-Glu-Met-Gly-Tyr-Ile-Phe-Tyr-Pro-Arg-Lys-Leu-Arg.

References

  1. [1]Lee C, Zeng J, Drew BG, et al.. The mitochondrial-derived peptide MOTS-c promotes metabolic homeostasis and reduces obesity and insulin resistance. Cell Metabolism, 2015. DOI: 10.1016/j.cmet.2015.02.009
  2. [2]Reynolds JC, Lai RW, Woodhead JST, et al.. MOTS-c is an exercise-induced mitochondrial-encoded regulator of age-dependent physical decline. Nature Communications, 2021. PMID: 33473109
  3. [3]National Center for Biotechnology Information. PubChem CID 91826424 — MOTS-c, 2024

Related research

Frequently Asked Questions

What is MOTS-C used for in research?

MOTS-C is a mitochondrial-derived peptide primarily used for metabolic and longevity research. Mitochondrial peptide that activates AMPK and improves glucose metabolism. Researchers study MOTS-C for its effects on metabolic health, exercise mimetic, insulin sensitivity.

Can I buy MOTS-C in Canada?

Yes, OVIOPEPTIDES ships MOTS-C across all Canadian provinces including Ontario, British Columbia, Alberta, Quebec, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, and all territories. Our MOTS-C is available for non-clinical laboratory research purposes only.

What purity is your MOTS-C?

All MOTS-C from OVIOPEPTIDES is verified at 99%+ purity through independent third-party HPLC testing. Every order includes a Certificate of Analysis confirming purity, molecular weight, and identity verification.

How should I store MOTS-C?

Store lyophilized MOTS-C powder at -20°C (freezer) in its original sealed vial. Once reconstituted with bacteriostatic water, refrigerate at 2-8°C and use within 4 weeks. Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles.

How do I reconstitute MOTS-C?

To reconstitute MOTS-C, inject bacteriostatic water slowly against the vial wall. Swirl gently - never shake. Common reconstitution volumes are 1ml, 2ml, or 2.5ml depending on desired concentration. Allow the powder to dissolve completely before use.

Is MOTS-C legal in Canada?

MOTS-C is legal to purchase in Canada for non-clinical laboratory research purposes. It is not approved by Health Canada for therapeutic use and is not intended for human consumption. OVIOPEPTIDES sells MOTS-C strictly for research applications.

How does MOTS-C compare to humanin?

MOTS-C and humanin are both used in metabolic and longevity research but have different mechanisms. MOTS-C is a mitochondrial-derived peptide, while humanin may work through different pathways. Researchers often study these peptides together for comparative analysis.

What documentation comes with MOTS-C?

Every MOTS-C order from OVIOPEPTIDES includes a Certificate of Analysis (COA) documenting: HPLC purity results (99%+), mass spectrometry data, batch number, manufacturing date, and expiration date. This ensures full traceability for your research.