MOTS-c Research Compound
Research Use Only
This product is intended for laboratory research purposes only. It is not intended for human or veterinary use, food, cosmetic, household, or agricultural applications. Not for human consumption.
Overview
MOTS-c (Mitochondrial Open Reading Frame of the 12S rRNA-c) is a 16-amino acid peptide encoded within the mitochondrial genome (12S rRNA gene). Discovered in 2015 by Dr. Pinchas Cohen's laboratory at USC, MOTS-c represents a new class of mitochondrial-derived peptides (MDPs) that act as signaling molecules. It has been characterized as an "exercise mimetic" due to its effects on glucose metabolism and AMPK activation.
Molecular Characteristics
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Molecular Formula | C102H152N28O25S2 |
| Molecular Weight | 2174.64 g/mol |
| CAS Number | 1627580-64-6 |
| Sequence | MRWQEMGYIFYPRKLR |
| Amino Acids | 16 |
| Encoded By | Mitochondrial 12S rRNA |
| Purity | ≥98% (HPLC) |
Mechanism of Action
MOTS-c exerts metabolic effects through several pathways:
AMPK Activation
- Direct AMPK phosphorylation
- Energy sensor activation
- Glucose uptake stimulation
- Fatty acid oxidation promotion
Folate-Methionine Cycle
- AICAR accumulation
- De novo purine synthesis inhibition
- Methionine cycle interaction
- One-carbon metabolism modulation
Nuclear Translocation
- Stress-induced nuclear entry
- Gene expression regulation
- Antioxidant response elements
- Adaptive response coordination
Mitochondrial Function
- mtDNA-encoded signaling
- Mitochondrial-nuclear communication
- Cellular stress response
- Energy homeostasis
Research Applications
Exercise Physiology
- Exercise mimetic studies
- Physical performance assessment
- Skeletal muscle adaptation
- Endurance capacity research
Metabolic Research
- Glucose homeostasis studies
- Insulin sensitivity assessment
- Obesity model research
- Metabolic syndrome interventions
Aging Studies
- Age-related MOTS-c decline
- Healthspan intervention research
- Mitochondrial aging
- Longevity pathway studies
Stress Response
- Metabolic stress adaptation
- Cellular resilience research
- Mitohormesis studies
- Environmental stress response
Available Formats
| Size | Format | Catalog Code |
|---|---|---|
| 5mg | Lyophilized | MOTS-5 |
| 10mg | Lyophilized | MOTS-10 |
| 20mg | Lyophilized | MOTS-20 |
Handling & Storage
- Store lyophilized peptide at -20°C
- Protect from light and moisture
- Reconstitute with bacteriostatic water
- Reconstituted solution stable at 2-8°C for up to 2 weeks
- Contains methionine (oxidation-sensitive)
- Use argon/nitrogen overlay for long-term storage
Quality Specifications
- Purity: ≥98% by HPLC
- Appearance: White lyophilized powder
- Solubility: Soluble in water
- Endotoxin: Less than 1 EU/mg
- Certificate of Analysis provided
Key Research Findings
| Study | Finding |
|---|---|
| Lee et al. (2015) | MOTS-c regulates insulin sensitivity and metabolic homeostasis |
| Reynolds et al. (2021) | MOTS-c levels decline with age; associated with physical activity |
| Kim et al. (2019) | Nuclear translocation under stress |
Regulatory Notes
As of 2024, MOTS-c was included in FDA's list of compounds not suitable for compounding. This applies to compounded medications, not research use.
References
- Lee C, et al. "The mitochondrial-derived peptide MOTS-c promotes metabolic homeostasis and reduces obesity and insulin resistance." Cell Metab. 2015.
- Reynolds JC, et al. "MOTS-c is an exercise-induced mitochondrial-encoded regulator of age-dependent physical decline and muscle homeostasis." Nat Commun. 2021.
- Kim KH, et al. "MOTS-c nuclear entry regulates adaptive response to metabolic stress." Cell. 2019.