MOTS-c
Price range: $55.00 through $205.00
What is MOTS-c?
MOTS-c (Mitochondrial ORF of the 12S rRNA type-c) is a 16-amino acid peptide encoded within the mitochondrial genome, specifically within the 12S rRNA gene. Discovered by Lee et al. at the University of Southern California in 2015, MOTS-c was one of the first mitochondrial-derived peptides (MDPs) characterized for metabolic signaling activity. Unlike most bioactive peptides that are encoded in the nuclear genome, MOTS-c originates from the mitochondrial DNA, representing a form of retrograde mitochondrial-to-nuclear communication. MOTS-c has been investigated for its effects on cellular metabolism, particularly AMPK activation and the folate-methionine cycle. In preclinical models, researchers observed that MOTS-c accumulates in skeletal muscle during exercise and translocates to the nucleus, where it regulates gene expression through interactions with ARE (antioxidant response element)-containing promoters. Circulating MOTS-c levels decline with age in human studies.
Mechanism of Action
MOTS-c has been investigated for its metabolic signaling through AMPK activation and nuclear gene regulation. Researchers observed that MOTS-c inhibits the folate cycle at the level of MTHFD2 (methylenetetrahydrofolate dehydrogenase 2), reducing purine biosynthesis and leading to accumulation of the AMPK activator AICAR (ZMP). This AMPK activation triggers downstream metabolic effects including increased glucose uptake, fatty acid oxidation, and mitochondrial biogenesis. In exercise studies, researchers observed that MOTS-c translocates from mitochondria to the nucleus during metabolic stress, where it interacts with ARE-containing gene promoters and modulates expression of genes involved in antioxidant defense and metabolic adaptation. Studies suggest that MOTS-c acts as a mitochondrial retrograde signal, communicating mitochondrial metabolic status to the nuclear genome. In aged mouse models, researchers observed that MOTS-c administration was associated with improved exercise capacity and metabolic parameters.
Published Research
Discovery
Lee et al. (2015) discovered and characterized MOTS-c as a mitochondrial-derived peptide with metabolic regulatory activity. The study demonstrated that MOTS-c activates AMPK through folate cycle inhibition and influences glucose metabolism in preclinical models [1].
Exercise and Nuclear Translocation
Kim et al. (2018) demonstrated that MOTS-c translocates to the nucleus during exercise and metabolic stress, where it regulates ARE-dependent gene expression. This study established MOTS-c as a retrograde mitochondrial signaling molecule [2].
Aging and MOTS-c
Reynolds et al. (2021) investigated MOTS-c in aging models and observed that circulating MOTS-c levels decline with age. Administration in aged mice was associated with improved physical performance parameters [3].
Product Specifications
| Product | MOTS-c Lyophilized Powder |
|---|---|
| Available Sizes | 10mg, 20mg, 25mg, 40mg |
| Purity | ≥99% (HPLC verified) |
| CAS Number | 1627580-64-6 |
| Sequence | MRWQEMGYIFYPRKLR |
| Molecular Formula | C₇₈H₁₂₈N₂₂O₂₃S₂ |
| Molecular Weight | 1,810.11 g/mol |
| Appearance | White lyophilized powder in glass vial |
| Storage | Store lyophilized at -20°C. Reconstituted solution at 2-8°C, use within 14 days. |
| Testing | Third-party tested — Certificate of Analysis available |
Frequently Asked Questions
MOTS-c is a 16-amino acid peptide encoded in the mitochondrial genome. It is a mitochondrial-derived peptide that activates AMPK and translocates to the nucleus during metabolic stress.
The CAS registry number for MOTS-c is 1627580-64-6.
MOTS-c is encoded by mitochondrial DNA rather than nuclear DNA, making it one of the few known bioactive peptides of mitochondrial origin. It represents retrograde mito-nuclear communication.
Store lyophilized MOTS-c at -20°C. Once reconstituted, store at 2-8°C and use within 14 days.
MOTS-c inhibits the folate cycle enzyme MTHFD2, reducing purine biosynthesis and causing accumulation of AICAR (ZMP), which activates AMPK.
Yes, researchers have observed that circulating MOTS-c levels decline with age in human studies, suggesting age-related changes in mitochondrial peptide signaling.
References
- Lee C, et al. The mitochondrial-derived peptide MOTS-c promotes metabolic homeostasis and reduces obesity and insulin resistance. Cell Metab. 2015;21(3):443-454. PMID: 25738459
- Kim KH, et al. MOTS-c is an exercise-induced mitochondrial-encoded regulator of age-dependent physical decline and muscle homeostasis. Nat Commun. 2018;9(1):3783.
- Reynolds JC, et al. MOTS-c is an exercise-induced mitochondrial-encoded regulator of age-dependent physical decline. Nat Commun. 2021;12(1):470. PMID: 33473109
Customer Reviews
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