MOTS-c: A Peptide Your Nucleus Didn't Write
Almost every peptide you study is encoded in nuclear DNA. MOTS-c isn't. It comes from the mitochondrial genome, which makes it one of the more interesting molecules in metabolic cell biology.
What the molecule is
MOTS-c ("mitochondrial open reading frame of the 12S rRNA-c") is a 16-residue peptide, MRWQEMGYIFYPRKLR, encoded by a short open reading frame in the mitochondrial 12S rRNA gene (Lee et al., 2015, PMID 25738459). It belongs to the same "mitochondrial-derived peptide" family as humanin.
What the research looks at
- Folate cycle and AMPK: In the 2015 cell and mouse work, MOTS-c was reported to inhibit the folate cycle and the de novo purine synthesis linked to it, which activated AMPK. Skeletal muscle appeared to be the main target tissue (PMID 25738459).
- Muscle cell models: A 2021 study looked at MOTS-c in rodent models and in cultured myoblasts under metabolic stress, and reported that endogenous MOTS-c is detectable in muscle and in circulation (PMID 33473109).
These are cell and animal studies, and they're mechanism questions that are still open.
Storing the lyophilized powder
MOTS-c contains two methionines and a tryptophan, all residues prone to oxidation. Keep vials sealed, cold, dry, and dark. Let a vial warm before opening and limit how long it's exposed to air.
Reading the COA
Confirm the sequence identity by mass spec, match the lot to the vial, and look for a named method and lab. Distributor COA included for the lot shipped.
Why order today
- MOTS-c 20 mg, lyophilized: $119
- US shipping. Free shipping on orders of $250 or more.
- Distributor COA included for the lot shipped. 21+ only.
Sources: PMID 25738459; PMID 33473109.
Research Use Only. Sold for in vitro laboratory research. Not for human or veterinary use. 21+.