MOTS-c¶
MOTS-c (Mitochondrial Open Reading Frame of the 12S rRNA-c, CAS 1628322-46-2) is a 16-amino acid mitochondrial-derived peptide with a molecular weight of 2,174.6 Da. Encoded within the mitochondrial 12S rRNA gene, MOTS-c represents a recently discovered class of bioactive mitochondrial peptides (MDPs) that translocate to the nucleus and cytoplasm to regulate metabolic gene expression. This peptide has emerged as a key research tool for understanding mitochondrial-nuclear communication and metabolic stress adaptation.
Technical Specifications¶
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| CAS Number | 1628322-46-2 |
| Molecular Formula | C₁₀₁H₁₅₉N₂₈O₂₃S₂ |
| Molecular Weight | 2,174.6 Da |
| Purity | ≥98% (HPLC-verified) |
| Appearance | Lyophilized white powder |
| Solubility | Soluble in aqueous buffers and sterile water |
| Storage | -20°C (lyophilized), 2–8°C (reconstituted) |
Mechanism of Action¶
MOTS-c exerts metabolic regulatory effects by translocating to the nucleus under metabolic stress conditions (e.g., glucose deprivation, increased AMP/ATP ratio), where it directly interacts with transcription factors including NF-κB and STAT3 to modulate expression of genes involved in glycolysis, one-carbon metabolism, and the pentose phosphate pathway. Notably, MOTS-c promotes AMPK activation in skeletal muscle, enhancing glucose uptake and fatty acid oxidation while inhibiting de novo lipogenesis. In the folate-methionine cycle, MOTS-c increases AICAR (5-aminoimidazole-4-carboxamide ribonucleotide) levels and endogenous AICAR production, providing a secondary AMPK activation mechanism. This mitochondrial-derived peptide also suppresses the mTORC1 pathway under nutrient stress, facilitating metabolic reprogramming from anabolic to catabolic states. Its retrograde signaling — from mitochondria to nucleus — represents a fundamental mechanism by which mitochondria directly regulate cellular metabolic adaptation.
Research Applications¶
- Primary: Mitochondrial-nuclear retrograde signaling, cellular metabolic adaptation to stress
- Secondary: Insulin sensitivity research, age-related metabolic decline, exercise mimetic pharmacology
- Model Systems: In vitro (C2C12 myotubes, primary hepatocytes, HEK293 cells), in vivo mouse models (high-fat diet-induced insulin resistance, aging studies)
Quality Control & Analytical Methods¶
- HPLC: ≥98% purity verification at 214/220 nm (C18 reversed-phase column)
- Mass Spectrometry: ESI-MS for molecular weight confirmation (2,174.6 ±1.0 Da)
- Peptide Content: Amino acid analysis (AAA) for net peptide content determination
- Endotoxin: <1 EU/mg (LAL assay)
- TFA Content: <1% (ion chromatography)
Stability & Storage¶
| Condition | Stability |
|---|---|
| -20°C (lyophilized) | 24 months |
| 4°C (lyophilized) | 6 months |
| 25°C (lyophilized) | 1 month |
| Reconstituted (4°C) | 7 days |
| Reconstituted (-20°C) | 30 days |
Key Research References¶
- Lee et al. (2015) — The mitochondrial-derived peptide MOTS-c promotes metabolic homeostasis and reduces obesity and insulin resistance. Cell Metab. PMID: 25683715
- Kim et al. (2018) — MOTS-c mediates exercise-induced benefits in age-related physical decline. Nat Commun. PMID: 29795255
- Reynolds et al. (2021) — MOTS-c is an exercise-induced mitochondrial-encoded regulator of age-dependent physical decline and metabolism. Aging Cell. PMID: 33448466
Source & Purchase¶
For researchers requiring research-grade MOTS C with full analytical documentation including HPLC, LC-MS, and Certificate of Analysis, visit the HK Peptides product page for specifications, bulk pricing, and ordering.
Related Molecules¶
- AICAR — AMPK activator, metabolic research
- SS-31 — Mitochondrial protection peptide
- NAD+ — Cellular energy coenzyme
- All Product Specifications
FAQ¶
Q: What purity level is standard for MOTS-c? A: HK Peptides supplies MOTS-c at ≥98% purity by HPLC with full COA documentation.
Q: How should MOTS-c be stored for research use? A: Lyophilized MOTS-c should be stored at -20°C. Reconstituted solutions at 4°C for short-term use (up to 7 days).