MOTs-C (20mg)

What is MOTs‑C (20mg)?

MOTs‑C (20mg) is a synthetic 16-amino acid peptide that reproduces a naturally occurring mitochondrial-encoded sequence found within the 12S rRNA gene (MT-RNR1). It is often studied in metabolism, exercise, and aging research because of its reported roles in regulating energy balance, stress responses, and metabolic changes in experimental systems.

In laboratory research, MOTs‑C is used as a tool to investigate how mitochondrial signals influence cellular energy use, stress adaptation, and metabolic functions in aging models.

Product Specifications

• Synonyms: Mitochondrial peptide, Mitochondria-derived peptide
• Peptide Sequence: Met‑Arg‑Trp‑Gln‑Glu‑Met‑Gly‑Tyr‑Ile‑Phe‑Tyr‑Pro‑Arg‑Lys‑Leu‑Arg (16 residues).​​
• Chemical Formula: C₁₀₁H₁₅₂N₂₈O₂₂S₂
• Molecular Weight: 2174.64 g/mol.​​
• Purity: Research‑grade peptide, typically ≥98–99% by HPLC; identity and purity established by chromatographic and mass‑spectrometric methods, with lot‑specific values documented in an accompanying certificate of analysis (COA).​​
• Packaging Format: 20 mg lyophilized (freeze‑dried) MOTs‑C in a sealed vial, intended for preparation of concentrated stock solutions for extended or higher‑volume experimental series.
• Storage Conditions: Store at −20°C, protected from light and moisture; avoid repeated freeze–thaw cycles to help maintain peptide stability.​​
• Intended Use: For laboratory research use only; not for human or veterinary use.

Key Characteristics of MOTs‑C (20mg)

• A short mitochondrial-encoded peptide (MDP) studied for how mitochondrial signals affect cell responses and gene activity.
• Primarily targets skeletal muscle and other metabolically active tissues, where it can affect glucose utilization and energy metabolism in research models.
• Acts through pathways that include AMPK activation, changes in folate-related metabolic pathways, and regulation of genes involved in metabolism and stress responses.
• Frequently studied in relation to exercise, physical performance, and metabolic changes associated with aging.
• Supplied as a high-purity, lyophilized peptide with supporting COA/HPLC/MS documentation for reproducible use in larger or multi-arm studies.
• Handled as a standard bioactive research peptide, including controlled storage, careful reconstitution, and adherence to safety procedures.

How MOTs‑C (20mg) Supports Research

MOTs‑C (20mg) supports research by allowing researchers to introduce a mitochondrial-encoded peptide into cells or animal models and observe how it interacts with metabolic and stress-sensing pathways.

Research suggests that MOTs‑C can engage AMPK-associated signaling, influence metabolic gene expression, and participate in adaptive responses to nutritional or energetic stress.

Furthermore, the larger 20 mg format is suited for research programs that require repeated dosing, multiple treatment groups, or a combination of in vitro and in vivo assays, while maintaining consistency in peptide identity and quality across experiments.

Research Applications & Usage Information

• Mitochondrial Signaling and Inter-Organelle Communication: Used to investigate how mitochondrial peptides contribute to signaling between mitochondria and the rest of the cell, including nuclear translocation and regulation of stress-response and metabolic genes.
• Metabolic Stress and Energy-Sensing Pathways: Incorporated into cell and animal models to study AMPK-linked signaling, metabolic enzyme regulation, and changes in metabolite profiles under high-fat diet, nutrient stress, or other metabolic challenges.
• Aging and Longevity Models: Applied in aging research to evaluate how MOTs‑C impacts markers of age-related changes in physical performance, metabolic flexibility, and mitochondrial function.
• Exercise and Skeletal-Muscle Physiology: Used to explore the role of MOTs‑C as an exercise-induced mitochondrial signal affecting muscle homeostasis, oxidative capacity, and adaptation to training.
• Gene-Expression and Systems-Biology Studies: Supports broad gene and protein expression studies to map MOTs‑C–responsive pathways, including genes involved in stress adaptation, antioxidant defense, and metabolic regulation.

Note: Experimental conditions (e.g., concentration, treatment schedule, route of administration, and formulation) should be defined by qualified researchers according to their specific research aims, ethical approvals, and regulatory requirements. No dosing or clinical guidance is provided or implied.

Handling and Storage Recommendations

• Keep lyophilized MOTs-C at −20°C or colder, dry, and protected from light.
• Let the sealed vial warm to room temperature to reduce condensation.
• When reconstituting, use a sterile buffer/solvent compatible with your assay; mix gently until dissolved.
• Portion into small, labeled aliquots to avoid repeated freeze–thaw cycles, and keep at 2-8°C for short-term storage.
• Use standard PPE and dispose of waste according to institutional procedures.

Research Use Only Notice

This product is intended for laboratory research use only and is not approved for human or veterinary use. It is not intended for diagnostic, therapeutic, or clinical applications. Any reference to biological activity or potential effects is based solely on preclinical or in‑vitro findings and should not be interpreted as validated clinical outcomes. Researchers are responsible for ensuring proper handling, storage, and disposal in accordance with institutional, federal, and international guidelines.

References

1. Zheng Y, Wei Z, Wang T. MOTS-c: A promising mitochondrial-derived peptide for therapeutic exploitation. Frontiers in Endocrinology. 2023;14:1120533. doi:10.3389/fendo.2023.1120533
2. Lee C, Zeng J, Drew BG, et al. The Mitochondrial-Derived Peptide MOTS-C promotes metabolic homeostasis and reduces obesity and insulin resistance. Cell Metabolism. 2015;21(3):443-454. doi:10.1016/j.cmet.2015.02.009
3. Reynolds JC, Lai RW, Woodhead JST, et al. MOTS-c is an exercise-induced mitochondrial-encoded regulator of age-dependent physical decline and muscle homeostasis. Nature Communications. 2021;12(1). doi:10.1038/s41467-020-20790-0
4. Wan W, Zhang L, Lin Y, et al. Mitochondria-derived peptide MOTS-c: effects and mechanisms related to stress, metabolism and aging. Journal of Translational Medicine. 2023;21(1):36. doi:10.1186/s12967-023-03885-2
5. Kong BS, Lee H, L’Yi S, Hong S, Cho YM. Mitochondrial-encoded peptide MOTS-c prevents pancreatic islet cell senescence to delay diabetes. Experimental & Molecular Medicine. 2025;57(8):1861-1877. doi:10.1038/s12276-025-01521-1