What Is MOTS-c? A Research Peptide Overview
MOTS-c is a mitochondrial-derived peptide (MDP) — a short peptide encoded within the mitochondrial genome rather than the nuclear genome. That unusual origin makes it a distinctive subject in metabolic and mitochondrial-signaling research. This overview covers what MOTS-c is, what makes it different from other research peptides, and how to source research-grade material.
MOTS-c at a glance
| Property | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Name | MOTS-c (Mitochondrial ORF of the 12S rRNA type-c) |
| Class | Mitochondrial-derived peptide (MDP) |
| Length | 16 amino acids |
| Origin | Encoded within the mitochondrial 12S rRNA region |
| Appearance | White lyophilized powder |
What makes MOTS-c unusual
Most peptides are fragments of proteins encoded in the cell nucleus. MOTS-c is encoded within the mitochondrial genome — a small, distinct set of genes inside the mitochondria. This is why it is classified as a mitochondrial-derived peptide, a relatively new category in research. Its discovery contributed to the idea that the mitochondrial genome encodes signaling molecules, not only components of the respiratory chain.
What MOTS-c is studied for
In laboratory and preclinical research, MOTS-c is studied for:
- Metabolic signaling — models involving AMPK, a central cellular energy-sensing pathway.
- Mitochondrial biology — how a mitochondrial-derived peptide participates in cellular stress responses.
- Exercise-physiology models — animal studies of metabolic adaptation.
MOTS-c offered here is a research chemical for laboratory use only. Not for use in humans or animals.
Reconstitution and handling for research
MOTS-c ships as a lyophilized (freeze-dried) powder for laboratory use. Standard research handling:
- Bring to room temperature before opening so condensation does not form on the cold vial.
- Add bacteriostatic water slowly down the inside wall — never spray directly onto the lyophilized cake. Let it dissolve without shaking; a gentle swirl is enough.
- Concentration is simple arithmetic: milligrams of peptide divided by milliliters of water added equals the concentration in mg/mL. For example, 10 mg reconstituted in 2 mL of bacteriostatic water yields a 5 mg/mL research stock solution.
- Keep it sterile. Wipe the stopper with alcohol, use a fresh sterile needle to draw solvent, and work in a clean area.
For a full walk-through, see our peptide reconstitution guide →.
Storage and stability
- Lyophilized powder: store sealed and away from light. Refrigerated storage extends shelf life; long-term storage is best in a freezer.
- After reconstitution: keep the solution refrigerated and use it within the window your protocol validates. Bacteriostatic water contains benzyl alcohol, which limits microbial growth in an opened vial.
- Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles of reconstituted MOTS-c; aliquot if a protocol requires multiple withdrawals over time.
See peptide storage best practices → for the full cold-chain rationale.
How research-grade material is verified
Every batch from a credible US supplier should arrive with a third-party Certificate of Analysis (COA) for that exact lot. Peptide Technologies publishes a COA on every batch and ties it to a QR code on the vial. A complete COA reports:
- Identity — mass spectrometry (ESI-MS) confirming the observed mass matches the theoretical mass of the target sequence.
- Purity — reverse-phase HPLC, reported as percent peak area at a fixed wavelength (typically 220 nm). Research-grade material is ≥99% by area.
- Net content — gravimetric confirmation the vial holds the stated mass within tolerance.
- Endotoxin — LAL assay below research-grade thresholds.
If a vendor cannot show a lot-specific COA, you cannot verify what is in the vial. Browse the full COA library →
How to source research-grade material
For laboratory research, sourcing quality comes down to a few checks:
- Lot-specific COA from an accredited, independent laboratory — not a generic marketing PDF.
- HPLC purity ≥99% by peak area, with the chromatogram shown.
- US synthesis and finishing, so the chain of custody is documented end to end.
- Cold-chain shipping for lyophilized material, so the product arrives stable.
Peptide Technologies meets each of these and shows the live competitor price on every product page. See how our pricing compares →
FAQ
What is MOTS-c?
MOTS-c is a 16-amino-acid mitochondrial-derived peptide encoded within the mitochondrial genome, studied in metabolic and mitochondrial-signaling research.
What is a mitochondrial-derived peptide?
A mitochondrial-derived peptide (MDP) is a short peptide encoded within the mitochondrial genome rather than the cell nucleus. MOTS-c is one of the best-known examples.
What pathway is MOTS-c studied around?
MOTS-c is studied around the AMPK energy-sensing pathway and mitochondrial stress responses in cell and animal models.
How is MOTS-c verified?
Research-grade MOTS-c is verified by HPLC for purity, mass spectrometry for identity, and an LAL endotoxin assay, reported on a lot-specific third-party COA.
Is MOTS-c a research chemical?
Yes. MOTS-c supplied by Peptide Technologies is a research chemical for laboratory use only. Not for use in humans or animals.