MOTS-c (Research Overview)
MOTS-c (Mitochondrial Open Reading Frame of the 12S rRNA-c) is a 16-amino acid peptide encoded within the mitochondrial genome. It represents a class of mitochondria-derived peptides (MDPs) studied for their role in inter-organelle and systemic metabolic signaling.
Mechanism of Action
MOTS-c (sequence: MRWQEMGYIFYPRKLR) is encoded in the 12S rRNA gene of mitochondrial DNA, making it one of the few known peptides of mitochondrial origin. Research has shown that MOTS-c can translocate from mitochondria to the cytoplasm and nucleus in response to metabolic stress, where it regulates gene expression related to metabolic adaptation.
The primary studied mechanism involves activation of the AMPK (AMP-activated protein kinase) pathway, a master regulator of cellular energy homeostasis. MOTS-c has been shown to regulate AICAR and ZMP metabolite levels, which are endogenous AMPK activators. This positions MOTS-c as a potential endogenous exercise mimetic in research models.
Research Areas
Metabolic research has been the primary focus, with studies examining MOTS-c's effects on insulin sensitivity, glucose uptake, and lipid metabolism in preclinical models. Research has demonstrated that MOTS-c administration can improve insulin sensitivity in diet-induced obesity models, with effects comparable to exercise training in some study designs.
Aging research has investigated MOTS-c as a potential longevity-associated peptide, noting that circulating MOTS-c levels decline with age and that supplementation in aged animal models has been associated with improved metabolic flexibility and physical performance. The mitochondrial origin of MOTS-c has also generated interest in its role as a biomarker of mitochondrial health.
Additional research areas include skeletal muscle metabolism, adipose tissue biology, and the relationship between mitochondrial signaling and systemic metabolic regulation. MOTS-c's nuclear translocation and gene-regulatory functions have opened new research directions in epigenetic metabolic programming.
Specification summary
MOTS-C 40mg
Stated purity ≥99%. For laboratory research use only.
Related materials
References
- Lee C, Zeng J, Drew BG, Sallam T, Martin-Montalvo A, Wan J, et al. The mitochondrial-derived peptide MOTS-c promotes metabolic homeostasis and reduces obesity and insulin resistance. Cell Metab. 2015;21(3):443-54. PMID 25738459 · DOI
- Kim KH, Son JM, Benayoun BA, Lee C. The Mitochondrial-Encoded Peptide MOTS-c Translocates to the Nucleus to Regulate Nuclear Gene Expression in Response to Metabolic Stress. Cell Metab. 2018;28(3):516-524.e7. PMID 29983246 · DOI
- Reynolds JC, Lai RW, Woodhead JST, Joly JH, Mitchell CJ, Cameron-Smith D, et al. MOTS-c is an exercise-induced mitochondrial-encoded regulator of age-dependent physical decline and muscle homeostasis. Nat Commun. 2021;12(1):470. PMID 33473109 · DOI
- Merry TL, Chan A, Woodhead JST, Reynolds JC, Kumagai H, Kim SJ, et al. Mitochondrial-derived peptides in energy metabolism. Am J Physiol Endocrinol Metab. 2020;319(4):E659-E666. PMID 32776825 · DOI
- Wan W, Zhang L, Lin Y, Rao X, Wang X, Hua F, et al. Mitochondria-derived peptide MOTS-c: effects and mechanisms related to stress, metabolism and aging. J Transl Med. 2023;21(1):36. PMID 36670507 · DOI
- Lee C, Kim KH, Cohen P. MOTS-c: A novel mitochondrial-derived peptide regulating muscle and fat metabolism. Free Radic Biol Med. 2016;100:182-187. PMID 27216708 · DOI
Cited literature is provided for scientific context only and does not describe or endorse any use of these products.
For laboratory research use only. Not for human or veterinary use. Not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.