Metabolic
A mitochondrial-derived peptide investigated in metabolic research.
MOTS-c is studied in research on metabolism and cellular energy. Unusually, its blueprint is encoded inside mitochondrial DNA — the genetic material of the cell's 'power plants' — and researchers examine how it relates to the body's energy sensor (the AMPK pathway), the response to exercise, and how cells handle glucose and fat in preclinical models.
Type
Mitochondrial-derived peptide (16 residues)
Molecular formula
C101H152N28O22S2
Molecular weight
~2,175 g/mol
CAS number
1627580-64-6
Amino acids
16
Sequence
MRWQEMGYIFYPRKLR
Modification
Unmodified; encoded within the mitochondrial 12S rRNA (MT-RNR1) region.
A short cationic peptide encoded by an open reading frame within mitochondrial 12S rRNA. Mechanistic studies link it to the folate-methionine one-carbon cycle and AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) signaling.
Research Focus
Studied in mitochondrial-biology, cellular energy-metabolism and AMPK-signaling research.
Lyophilized
-20°C
powder typically stable ~24 months.
Reconstituted
2-8°C short-term
-20°C for longer; aliquot.
Avoid freeze-thaw; protect from light and moisture; methionine residues are oxidation-sensitive.
Reviews
Miller B, et al. (2022). J Clin Invest — Review of mitochondrial-derived peptides in aging
Yoon TK, et al. (2022). Diabetes Metab J — Review integrating MOTS-c into the exercise-mitohormesis framework
Kim SJ, et al. (2021). GeroScience — Review of mitochondrial-derived peptides in aging and age-related disease
Wu Y, et al. (2021). Front Endocrinol — Review of mitochondrial-derived peptides in diabetes pathophysiology
Popov LD. (2019). Cell Tissue Res — Assessment of mitochondrial-derived peptides as research candidates
Lee C, et al. (2016). Free Radic Biol Med — Early review of MOTS-c discovery and metabolic effects
Primary research
Zhong P, et al. (2022). J Cell Mol Med — Pressure-overload heart-failure model via the AMPK pathway (mouse)
Reynolds JC, et al. (2021). Nat Commun — Exercise-induced expression and physical-capacity study (mouse + human ex vivo)
Yang B, et al. (2021). Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis — PGC-1alpha and glucose-metabolism study via AMPK (mouse)
Yin X, et al. (2020). Eur J Pharmacol — Formalin-test study of nociceptive and inflammatory endpoints via AMPK (mouse)
D'Souza RF, et al. (2020). Aging (Albany NY) — Skeletal-muscle MOTS-c and myofiber composition in aging men (observational)
Lu H, et al. (2019). Int J Mol Sci — Adipose thermogenesis and cold-adaptation study (mouse)
Du C, et al. (2018). Pediatr Diabetes — Circulating MOTS-c and insulin-resistance markers in children (observational)
Kim KH, et al. (2018). Cell Metabolism — Nuclear translocation and gene-regulation study
Lee C, et al. (2015). Cell Metabolism — Foundational metabolic-characterization study via AMPK
Fuku N, et al. (2015). Aging Cell — Association study in longevity cohorts (observational)
Also known as: MT-RNR1-derived peptide
Research Use Only
These products are intended for research purposes only and are not for human consumption. Not FDA approved. Not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
