MOTS-c
Also known as Mitochondrial open reading frame of the 12S rRNA-c
MOTS-c is a 16-amino-acid peptide encoded in the mitochondrial 12S rRNA gene. Researchers study it as a mitochondrial signal that regulates metabolism, insulin sensitivity, and physical capacity in rodent models.
Preclinical research
Size
2 options- Catalog no.
- MS10
- Specification
- 10mg*10vials
- Per kit
- 10 vials
For laboratory research use only. Not for human or animal consumption. Buyers must be 21 or older.
Overview
MOTS-c was described in 2015 by researchers at the University of Southern California. It is encoded by a short open reading frame within the mitochondrial 12S rRNA gene and belongs to the mitochondrial-derived peptides, a group that also includes humanin. Functional studies have been done mainly in cell culture and mice, with a focus on insulin resistance, diet-induced obesity, and age-related physical decline. In humans, endogenous MOTS-c has been measured in muscle and blood, and exercise was reported to raise it. An analog, CB4211, entered early-phase clinical testing, but the native peptide's research base remains preclinical.
Class: Mitochondrial-derived peptide
Mechanism of action
How the compound acts, as described in the literature.
Acts mainly on skeletal muscle in mice. It inhibits the folate cycle and the linked de novo purine synthesis pathway, which raises AICAR levels and activates AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK).
Under metabolic stress such as glucose restriction, it moves to the nucleus in an AMPK-dependent manner and regulates genes with antioxidant response elements, interacting with transcription factors such as NRF2.
In mice, reported to improve insulin sensitivity and to prevent diet-induced obesity and age-related insulin resistance.
Exercise increased endogenous MOTS-c in human skeletal muscle and circulation, which has led to its study as an exercise-responsive mitochondrial signal.
Published research
Selected studies, each linked to its PubMed record. Summaries describe what the studies reported.
2015
Rodent and in vitro study
PMID 25738459The mitochondrial-derived peptide MOTS-c promotes metabolic homeostasis and reduces obesity and insulin resistance.
Lee C, et al. · Cell Metab
Identified MOTS-c as a 16-amino-acid peptide from the mitochondrial 12S rRNA. In mice it targeted skeletal muscle, activated AMPK through folate-cycle inhibition, and prevented age-dependent and diet-induced insulin resistance and diet-induced obesity.
2018
In vitro
PMID 29983246The Mitochondrial-Encoded Peptide MOTS-c Translocates to the Nucleus to Regulate Nuclear Gene Expression in Response to Metabolic Stress.
Kim KH, et al. · Cell Metab
Under metabolic stress, MOTS-c moved to the nucleus in an AMPK-dependent manner and regulated a broad set of genes, including antioxidant response element targets, while interacting with stress-responsive transcription factors such as NRF2.
2021
Rodent and human study
PMID 33473109MOTS-c is an exercise-induced mitochondrial-encoded regulator of age-dependent physical decline and muscle homeostasis.
Reynolds JC, et al. · Nat Commun
MOTS-c enhanced physical performance in young, middle-aged, and old mice, and intermittent exposure started late in life increased physical capacity and healthspan. In humans, exercise raised MOTS-c in skeletal muscle and circulation.
Evidence & safety
What the research does not show, and the adverse events and regulatory status it reports.
Functional evidence comes from cell and rodent studies; human data are limited to measurements of endogenous MOTS-c, and no controlled trials of the native peptide are indexed. Its analog CB4211 has only small, company-reported phase 1 results, in which injection-site reactions were the most common adverse event. Neither MOTS-c nor CB4211 is an approved drug.
Specifications
All sizes, exactly as catalogued.
| Catalog no. | Product | Specification | Vials per kit |
|---|---|---|---|
| MS10 | MOTS-c | 10mg*10vials | 10 |
| MS40 | MOTS-c | 40mg*10vials | 10 |
For laboratory research use only. Not for human or animal consumption. Not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Research summaries are provided for educational purposes and do not describe this product’s use.