What is MOTS-c?
MOTS-c (mitochondrial open reading frame of the 12S rRNA-c) is a 16-amino-acid peptide encoded by a short open reading frame in mitochondrial 12S rRNA. Research literature examines MOTS-c in metabolic homeostasis, insulin sensitivity, and AMPK activation models—primarily in skeletal muscle.
Research-grade materials are available from vendors offering certificates of analysis documenting batch identity and purity. Laboratories sourcing MOTS-c for experimental use should match supplier documentation to institutional assay protocols.
Research areas & preclinical findings
Metabolic homeostasis research
Lee et al. (2015, DOI:10.1016/j.cmet.2015.02.009) reported MOTS-c targeted skeletal muscle, inhibited folate/purine pathways, increased AICAR, and activated AMPK—mouse studies showed reduced diet-induced obesity and insulin resistance.
Insulin sensitivity and glucose metabolism
Kim et al. (2019, Physiol Rep, PMID:31293078) found MOTS-c reduced sphingolipid, monoacylglycerol, and dicarboxylate metabolism in diet-induced obese mice—assay outcomes depend on metabolic model and species.
Exercise and PGC-1α signaling
Yang et al. (2021, Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis, PMID:33722744) demonstrated MOTS-c and exercise synergistically regulated PGC-1α expression and enhanced glucose metabolism via AMPK in mouse models—translation to human exercise physiology remains investigational.
HHS enforcement discretion status (Oct 2026)
On October 30, 2026, HHS published an enforcement discretion policy for 503A compounding with MOTS-c acetate (subcutaneous or intramuscular injectable) under specified conditions (Federal Register Vol. 91, No. 209, FR Doc. 2026-22192). The policy applies to state-licensed pharmacies, federal facilities, and licensed physicians compounding patient-specific prescriptions—not RUO catalog suppliers. See HHS enforcement discretion analysis.
Published research (selection)
| Study | Journal | Year | DOI | Finding (summary) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| The mitochondrial-derived peptide MOTS-c promotes metabolic homeostasis and reduces obesity and insulin resistance | Cell Metab | 2015 | link | Mouse models showed MOTS-c reduced diet-induced obesity and insulin resistance via AMPK activation. |
| The mitochondrial-derived peptide MOTS-c is a regulator of plasma metabolites and enhances insulin sensitivity (Kim et al.) | Physiol Rep | 2019 | link | Diet-induced obese mice showed reduced sphingolipid and monoacylglycerol metabolism with MOTS-c—species-dependent. |
| MOTS-c interacts synergistically with exercise intervention to regulate PGC-1α expression and enhance glucose metabolism via AMPK (Yang et al.) | Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis | 2021 | link | Mouse exercise models showed MOTS-c upregulated PGC-1α and GLUT4—human translation requires validation. |
| MOTS-c: A promising mitochondrial-derived peptide for therapeutic exploitation (review) | Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) | 2023 | link | Review of MOTS-c mechanisms and therapeutic potential—no established clinical treatment. |
Important Disclaimer
All products and information on this page are intended strictly for laboratory and scientific research use only. Not for human consumption. These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA.
Quality & documentation
Certificates of analysis should document amino-acid sequence confirmation and HPLC purity suitable for your institutional assay requirements. Verify salt form (acetate vs free base) matches assay plan.
Storage & reconstitution (laboratory protocol)
- Store lyophilized peptide with desiccant at −20 °C or per vendor insert.
- Reconstitute with sterile solvent validated for peptide stability.
- Aliquot to minimize freeze–thaw cycles; document cold-chain compliance.
Use the research peptide stock solution calculator to translate mass and concentration targets into documented laboratory volumes.
Where to source for research
Compare vendor documentation depth on the retailer matrix; see partner codes for checkout context. MOTS-c shop listings: MOTS-c product page. Compare: MOTS-c vs SS-31.
| Vendor | List context | COA signal | Code |
|---|---|---|---|
| Live Alpha LabsPartner | From $69 list — verify current price at checkout. | Batch COA and HPLC documentation should be verified before procurement. | SOL |
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Reviewed by Dr. Marcus Webb, Ph.D.· Last reviewed November 2026