MOTS-c
Price range: $131.00 through $384.00
MOTS-c is a 16-amino-acid mitochondrial-derived peptide studied for AMPK activation, metabolic homeostasis, and exercise-mimetic endpoints. See mechanism and specifications.
Description
MOTS-c – Mitochondrial-Derived AMPK-Activating Research Peptide
MOTS-c is a 16-amino-acid peptide encoded within the 12S rRNA region of the mitochondrial genome – one of the first “mitochondrial-derived peptides” (MDPs) identified and characterized (Lee et al., University of Southern California, 2015). Unlike almost every other peptide in the research toolkit, MOTS-c is transcribed and translated from mitochondrial DNA rather than nuclear DNA. It is the reference mitochondrial-derived AMPK-activating peptide – its research utility comes from mitochondria to the rest of the cell, regulating metabolic homeostasis, glucose uptake, and cellular stress response.
Why the Mitochondrial Origin Matters
MOTS-c sits outside the classic “growth factor / receptor agonist” framework that most research peptides fall into. It is a mitokine – a peptide produced by mitochondria that signals to the rest of the cell. Its primary research axis is AMPK (AMP-activated protein kinase) activation, the master sensor of cellular energy status. AMPK is the same pathway metformin and exercise both activate, which is why MOTS-c is the reference peptide in “exercise-mimetic” and metabolic-homeostasis research.
| Pathway | What it does in plain terms |
|---|---|
| AMPK | Activated – master cellular energy sensor; same pathway metformin and exercise engage |
| Glucose uptake | Increased – insulin-independent skeletal muscle glucose transport |
| Fatty acid oxidation | Upregulated via AMPK – shift toward oxidative metabolism |
| Folate / one-carbon cycle | Modulated – MOTS-c interacts with methionine / folate metabolism |
| Metabolic stress response | MOTS-c translocates to the nucleus under stress; regulates gene expression |
MOTS-c vs Other Mitochondrial-Targeting Peptides
The research toolkit has a small group of peptides studied for mitochondrial-axis endpoints. They act through different mechanisms.
| Compound | Mitochondrial mechanism |
|---|---|
| MOTS-c | Mitochondrial-encoded peptide – activates AMPK, modulates metabolic homeostasis |
| SS-31 (elamipretide) | Inner membrane cardiolipin binder – stabilizes respiratory chain, reduces ROS |
| SLU-PP-332 | ERRα agonist – transcriptionally upregulates mitochondrial biogenesis |
Research Applications
MOTS-c is used in studies examining:
- AMPK activation and insulin-independent glucose uptake endpoints
- Skeletal muscle metabolic homeostasis and fatty acid oxidation
- Exercise-mimetic research (AMPK axis overlap with physical training)
- Age-related metabolic decline and mitochondrial function models
- Obesity, insulin sensitivity, and type 2 diabetes research
- Mitochondrial-nuclear retrograde signaling and mitokine biology
Specifications
| Format | Lyophilized powder |
| Purity | ≥99% |
| Aliases | MOTS-c, Mitochondrial Open Reading Frame of 12S rRNA-c, MDP-1 |
| Available sizes | 10mg · 40mg |
| Storage | 2-8°C unopened; stable 12+ months |
| Use | Research purposes only – not for human use |
Storage & Handling
Unopened vials are kept at 2-8°C under standard cold-chain conditions and remain stable for 12+ months. Reconstitution parameters, solvent compatibility, and post-reconstitution stability for MOTS-c are documented in the published peer-reviewed literature and standard peptide-chemistry references.
Reference Literature
Published clinical and preclinical MOTS-c literature is available through PubMed, Google Scholar, and other peer-reviewed databases. WWP does not provide protocol design, dosing guidance, or administration parameters. Those decisions rest with the researcher and any applicable institutional review board.
Common Questions About MOTS-c Research
What is MOTS-c used for in research?
It is studied as the reference mitochondrial-derived AMPK-activating peptide. Published work covers insulin-independent glucose uptake, skeletal muscle metabolic homeostasis, exercise-mimetic endpoints, age-related metabolic decline, and mitochondrial-nuclear retrograde signaling.
What makes MOTS-c different from other research peptides?
MOTS-c is encoded within the mitochondrial genome, not the nuclear genome. Almost all other research peptides are nuclear-encoded and produced in the cytoplasm. MOTS-c’s transcription and translation start inside the mitochondrion, which is what makes it the reference “mitochondrial-derived peptide” (MDP) in mitokine biology research.
How does MOTS-c compare to SS-31?
Both are studied for mitochondrial endpoints but act through different mechanisms. MOTS-c is a mitochondrial-encoded peptide that activates AMPK and modulates cellular energy metabolism. SS-31 (elamipretide) is a nuclear-encoded synthetic peptide that binds cardiolipin in the inner mitochondrial membrane and stabilizes the electron transport chain. MOTS-c is signaling-focused; SS-31 is structurally protective.
Is MOTS-c FDA approved?
No. MOTS-c is not an FDA-approved drug product. It is a research peptide in active investigation for metabolic and age-related conditions. Every vial WWP ships is labeled and sold strictly for laboratory and research use only.
How is MOTS-c stored?
Unopened vials are stored at 2-8°C and stay stable for 12+ months. Once reconstituted with bacteriostatic water, the solution is kept at 2-8°C and used within 28-30 days.
Purity Guarantee
Every batch is ≥99% purity. Send us a COA from any independent test and we’ll issue store credit regardless of what it shows.
Additional information
| Milligrams Per Vial | 10 mg, 40 mg |
|---|
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