— Research monograph
MOTS-c
A mitochondrial-derived peptide studied in metabolic-regulation models.
- Class
- Mitochondrial-derived peptide (16 amino acids encoded by mtDNA 12S rRNA)
- Half-life (research)
- Not well-characterized in the public literature.
- Origin
- Identified and characterized by the Pinchas Cohen laboratory at USC. First described in detail by Lee et al. in Cell Metabolism in 2015 as the founding member of a new class of mitochondrially-encoded signaling peptides.
- Solubility
- Soluble in bacteriostatic water.
What is MOTS-c?
MOTS-c (Mitochondrial Open Reading frame of the Twelve S rRNA type-c) is a 16-amino-acid peptide encoded within the mitochondrial DNA 12S rRNA region. It was the first mitochondrial-derived peptide identified with metabolic-regulator activity.
Unlike the larger family of nuclear-encoded signaling peptides, MOTS-c reflects intercommunication between the mitochondrial and nuclear genomes — a concept termed retrograde signaling. The peptide has become a focal point in mitochondrial-derived-peptide research.
How does MOTS-c work?
Translocates from the mitochondria to the nucleus under metabolic stress (glucose restriction, exercise). In the nucleus it regulates transcription of stress-responsive genes. Also activates AMPK signaling and modulates the folate-methionine cycle in cultured cells.
Research applications
- Mitochondrial signaling research
- AMPK pathway investigation
- Mitochondrial-derived peptide biology
- Exercise physiology models
- Glucose homeostasis studies
Handling & reconstitution
MOTS-c ships as a sealed, lyophilized (freeze-dried) powder and is reconstituted with bacteriostatic water for laboratory handling. Soluble in bacteriostatic water. Concentration equals vial mass divided by diluent volume.
See the MOTS-c reconstitution protocol for a step-by-step guide and an interactive research calculator (vial size → diluent → draw volume).
Frequently asked questions
What is MOTS-c?
MOTS-c (Mitochondrial Open Reading frame of the Twelve S rRNA type-c) is a 16-amino-acid peptide encoded within the mitochondrial DNA 12S rRNA region. It was the first mitochondrial-derived peptide identified with metabolic-regulator activity. Merit supplies it as a lyophilized research compound for research use only — not for human or veterinary use.
How does MOTS-c work?
Translocates from the mitochondria to the nucleus under metabolic stress (glucose restriction, exercise). In the nucleus it regulates transcription of stress-responsive genes. Also activates AMPK signaling and modulates the folate-methionine cycle in cultured cells. Mechanistic descriptions summarize published preclinical findings and are not clinical claims.
What is the half-life of MOTS-c?
Not well-characterized in the public literature. Values reflect preclinical or research-context reports, not clinical pharmacokinetics.
How is MOTS-c reconstituted for research?
A lyophilized vial is reconstituted with bacteriostatic water; concentration equals vial mass divided by diluent volume. See the MOTS-c reconstitution protocol for a step-by-step guide and a research calculator.
Is Merit MOTS-c for human use?
No. It is sold strictly for research use only — not for human or veterinary use, and not for diagnostic or therapeutic use. Every lot ships with a certificate of analysis documenting ≥99% HPLC purity.
References
- The mitochondrial-derived peptide MOTS-c promotes metabolic homeostasis and reduces obesity and insulin resistance. Lee C, Zeng J, Drew BG, et al.. Cell Metabolism, 2015 · PMID 25738459
- MOTS-c is an exercise-induced mitochondrial-encoded regulator of age-dependent physical decline and muscle homeostasis. Reynolds JC, Lai RW, Woodhead JSS, et al.. Nature Communications, 2021 · PMID 33473109
- The Mitochondrial-Encoded Peptide MOTS-c Translocates to the Nucleus to Regulate Nuclear Gene Expression in Response to Metabolic Stress. Kim KH, Son JM, Benayoun BA, Lee C. Cell Metabolism, 2018 · doi:10.1016/j.cmet.2018.06.008
For research use only. Not for human or veterinary use. Not FDA-approved. Reference information summarized from published literature — not medical or dosing advice.
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