Research monograph · mitochondrial-derived 16-amino acid peptide
Mitochondrial Metabolism Studies
This monograph collects what the published literature reports about MOTS-c — its mechanisms, the areas it is studied in, its molecular record and the sources behind them. Research examines metabolic signaling and AMPK-pathway endpoints, and the compound is often cited as evidence that mitochondria participate in cellular signaling directly.
For laboratory research use only — not for human or animal use
Mechanisms
AMP-Activated Protein Kinase Signaling
Activation of AMPK is reported in skeletal muscle, adipose and liver. AMPK is the cell's low-energy sensor, so engaging it links the peptide to substrate use rather than to a single tissue.
Mitochondria-to-Nucleus Retrograde Signaling
The sequence is encoded inside the 12S rRNA gene of the mitochondrial genome. That finding is the interesting part — it established that mitochondria issue signals to the nucleus rather than only receiving them.
Metabolic Homeostasis & Exercise Signaling
Endogenous levels are reported to rise with exercise, and mouse models given the peptide exogenously reproduced several exercise-associated metabolic endpoints. The literature treats that parallel as a starting point, not a conclusion.
Studied applications
Insulin sensitivity is measured in diet-induced models, with AMPK activation as the proposed route.
Lee C et al. 2015
Endogenous levels are reported to fall with age, which is the premise for the ageing work rather than a finding of it.
Reynolds JC et al. 2021
Exogenous administration reproduced several exercise-associated endpoints in mice — a parallel the literature treats as a starting point.
Kim SJ et al. 2022
Population work links mitochondrial haplotype variation in this region to longevity, connecting the peptide to human genetics.
Zempo H et al. 2016
What the published work measures
The endpoints reported across the literature for this compound. The figures belong to the individual papers, not to us.
Reference values
Scroll for full molecular data →
| Sequence | MRWQEMGYIFYPRKLR |
|---|---|
| Molecular weight | 2,174.60 g/mol |
| Physical form | Lyophilized powder (5mg) |
| Documented purity | Quantified by HPLC, reported per lot |
| Storage | -20°C for long-term stability |
| Solubility | Bacteriostatic water or sterile saline |
| Available sizes | 10mg |
FAQ
MOTS-c is a 16-residue peptide with an unusual origin — it is encoded in mitochondrial rather than nuclear DNA, one of a small group of mitochondrial-derived peptides. Research examines metabolic signaling and AMPK-pathway endpoints, and the compound is often cited as evidence that mitochondria participate in cellular signaling directly.
Published research on MOTS-c concentrates on Insulin Resistance & Obesity, Age-Related Metabolic Decline, Exercise Mimicry and mtDNA Variation & Longevity. Each of those areas is summarised further up this page with the citation it comes from, and the full reference list — 4 indexed publications — sits at the bottom. Study designs and concentrations vary considerably between publications, so the primary sources are worth reading directly.
The literature describes MOTS-c acting across AMP-Activated Protein Kinase Signaling, Mitochondria-to-Nucleus Retrograde Signaling and Metabolic Homeostasis & Exercise Signaling, reported respectively as AMPK Activation, mtDNA Origin and Exercise Mimetic. Those pathways are drawn from preclinical models rather than clinical work, and they describe what has been observed rather than a settled mechanism — the individual pathway cards above cite what each one is based on.
MOTS-c has a molecular formula of C101H152N28O25S2, an average mass of 2174.64 g/mol and the sequence MRWQEMGYIFYPRKLR. It ships as lyophilized powder (5mg). Those are nominal reference values for the parent compound. The identity of the specific material you receive is confirmed by mass spectrometry and reported on that lot's certificate.
Store the sealed vial at -20°C, protected from light and moisture, and let it reach room temperature before opening so condensation does not form on cold powder. MOTS-c is bacteriostatic water or sterile saline; reconstitute by directing the diluent down the vial wall rather than onto the powder, then swirl to dissolve rather than shaking. Keep reconstituted solution refrigerated and avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles — solutions are far less stable than lyophilized powder.
No. MOTS-c is supplied strictly for in-vitro laboratory research and development. It is not a drug, food, supplement or cosmetic, it has not been evaluated by the FDA, and it is not intended for human or animal consumption, ingestion, injection or any in-vivo use. Ordering confirms you are a qualified researcher or institution purchasing on that basis.
Cited sources
Independent published research indexed from PubMed — not Routine Peptides claims.
Before you order
Every production run is analyzed by an independent laboratory, and the certificate for your lot travels with the order — not a catalog-wide document, and not a summary written by us.
