Longevity & Cellular Renewal
MOTS-C
Mitochondrial-derived peptide
MOTS-c (Mitochondrial ORF of the 12S rRNA type-c)
Research context
MOTS-c is encoded within an open reading frame of the mitochondrial 12S rRNA gene, making it one of a small class of mitochondrially encoded peptides. Research examines AMP-activated protein kinase activation and folate–methionine cycle intermediates, with glucose uptake measured in myocyte culture models.
Common assays: AMPK phosphorylation (Western) · Glucose uptake · Folate cycle metabolomics
Specification
| Designation | Mitochondrial-derived peptide |
|---|---|
| Full name | MOTS-c (Mitochondrial ORF of the 12S rRNA type-c) |
| Sequence | Met-Arg-Trp-Gln-Glu-Met-Gly-Tyr-Ile-Phe-Tyr-Pro-Arg-Lys-Leu-Arg |
| CAS number | 1627580-64-6 |
| Molecular formula | C101H152N28O22S2 |
| Molecular weight | 2174.62 g/mol |
| Formats | 10 mL Vial · 15 mL Advanced Liquid Peptide Spray |
| Solubility | Sterile water, bacteriostatic water |
| Storage | Lyophilised: −20 °C. Reconstituted: 2–8 °C. |
| Regulatory status | Not an approved drug. Removed from FDA 503A Category 2 in April 2026 and recommended for the 503A bulks list by the advisory committee in July 2026. Since 30 October 2026, an HHS interim policy says the agency will not take enforcement action against licensed 503A compounding of it under set conditions. It has not been added to the bulks list. 2026 status by compound → |
| Current lot | MOT20VAS0126 → |
MOTS-C COA: certificates of analysis by lot
2 lots of MOTS-C have a published certificate of analysis from AxisPharm, LLC, an independent laboratory. Each certificate reports the laboratory's results for that lot.
| Lot | Format | Purity (HPLC-UV) | Reported |
|---|---|---|---|
| MOT20VAS0126 | 20 mg Vial | >99.5% | 2026-02-20 |
| MOT15N1125 | 20 mg Spray | >99.0% | 2025-11-13 |
Published literature
Selected peer-reviewed references describing research involving this compound. Listed for reference only; inclusion is not a claim about any outcome.
- Lee C, Zeng J, Drew BG, et al.The mitochondrial-derived peptide MOTS-c promotes metabolic homeostasis and reduces obesity and insulin resistanceCell Metabolism · 2015 Find on PubMed ↗
- Reynolds JC, Lai RW, Woodhead JST, et al.MOTS-c is an exercise-induced mitochondrial-encoded regulator of age-dependent physical decline and muscle homeostasisNature Communications · 2021 Find on PubMed ↗
Common questions
What makes MOTS-c unusual among peptides?
It is encoded in the mitochondrial genome rather than the nuclear genome — one of a small number of identified mitochondrial-derived peptides.
What signalling pathway dominates the MOTS-c literature?
AMP-activated protein kinase, with associated measurements of folate–methionine cycle intermediates.
Where can I see the MOTS-C certificate of analysis?
Every published MOTS-C lot has its own certificate page on this site, listed under "MOTS-C COA" above. There are 2 published lots; the most recent, lot MOT20VAS0126, was reported on 2026-02-20 at >99.5% purity by HPLC-UV. The certificates are issued by AxisPharm, LLC, an independent laboratory.
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