MOTS-c is unusual in where it comes from: it's encoded not in regular DNA, but in the DNA of mitochondria, the energy-producing structures inside cells. It's studied in research on metabolism and how cells respond to physical exertion.
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.
Also known as: Mitochondrial open reading frame of the 12S rRNA-c.
Read more in the Research Library: MOTS-c: a research overview.
For laboratory research use only. Not for human or veterinary use.
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.
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 PubMedReported that MOTS-c can translocate to the nucleus in response to metabolic stress and influence nuclear gene expression.
Cell Metab, 2018 PubMedReview 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 textSummaries 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.
| Compound | MOTS-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 |
| Form | Lyophilized powder |
| Purity | 99.135% — see the COA for this batch’s full report |
| Amount per vial | 10 mg, 20 mg, 40 mg |
| Batch | MC-402 |
| Certificate of analysis | View the COA (PDF) |