MOTS-c: A Research Overview
MOTS-c (mitochondrial open reading frame of the 12S rRNA-c) is a 16-amino-acid peptide encoded in the mitochondrial genome, in the MT-RNR1 gene. It belongs to the class of mitochondrial-derived peptides and is studied in cell and animal models of metabolic signaling.
Chemical identity
| Compound | MOTS-c |
|---|---|
| Also known as | Mitochondrial open reading frame of the 12S rRNA-c |
| Class | Mitochondrial-derived peptide |
| Sequence | Met-Arg-Trp-Gln-Glu-Met-Gly-Tyr-Ile-Phe-Tyr-Pro-Arg-Lys-Leu-Arg (MRWQEMGYIFYPRKLR) |
| Molecular formula | C101H152N28O22S2 |
| Molecular weight | 2174.6 g/mol |
| CAS number | 1627580-64-6 |
Background
MOTS-c has the sequence Met-Arg-Trp-Gln-Glu-Met-Gly-Tyr-Ile-Phe-Tyr-Pro-Arg-Lys-Leu-Arg. In humans it is encoded by a short open reading frame within the mitochondrial 12S rRNA gene (MT-RNR1).
It was described in 2015 by a team led by Changhan Lee, then at the University of Southern California. It joined humanin and the small humanin-like peptides (SHLP1–6) as a recognized mitochondrial-derived peptide.
Later cell-based work reported that MOTS-c can move to the nucleus in response to metabolic stress and influence nuclear gene expression. MOTS-c has not been evaluated by the FDA.
What the published literature reports
- Cultured cells and mice
Original description of MOTS-c, a 16-amino-acid peptide encoded in the mitochondrial 12S rRNA gene. Reports effects on metabolic signaling in cultured cells and on insulin sensitivity and body weight in mice fed a high-fat diet.
Lee C et al., Cell Metab, 2015 PubMed - Cell-based study
Reported that MOTS-c can translocate to the nucleus in response to metabolic stress and influence nuclear gene expression.
Cell Metab, 2018 PubMed - Review
Review of MOTS-c as a mitochondrial-derived peptide, including its reported roles in muscle and fat metabolism.
Lee C, Kim KH, Cohen P, 2016 (review) full text
How to read this literature
The work cited above spans cultured cells and mice, cell-based study, review. Findings from cell culture or animal models, and review articles that summarise them, do not establish how a compound behaves in other systems. Each citation links to the original record so you can read it directly.
Summaries describe what each cited paper reports in its own model system. They are not claims about the effects of this product.
For laboratory research use only. Not for human or veterinary use. See our Research Use Only page.