Description
MOTS-c | 10MG
BioChain USA · Research use only
⚠
For research use only. Not for human or animal consumption. This compound is sold exclusively for in vitro research, laboratory, and analytical purposes by BioChain USA. It is not a drug, supplement, or therapeutic product of any kind.
What Is MOTS-c?
MOTS-c (Mitochondrial Open Reading Frame of the Twelve S rRNA-c) is a 16-amino acid mitochondrial-derived peptide (MDP) encoded within the 12S ribosomal RNA gene
(MT-RNR1) of the human mitochondrial genome.
It represents a class of bioactive peptides translated from mitochondrial DNA rather than nuclear DNA, a distinction that has made it a subject of
significant interest in mitochondrial biology and metabolic research.
In peer-reviewed literature, MOTS-c is studied as a putative mitokine, a signaling molecule secreted by mitochondria that can act in autocrine, paracrine, and potentially
endocrine fashions to communicate mitochondrial status to other cellular compartments and distant tissues.
MOTS-c in Plain Language
A non-technical overview of what MOTS-c is, what researchers have studied it for, what early evidence suggests, and what cannot be claimed about it. For research and educational purposes only.
Research-Use Disclaimer. BioChain USA sells MOTS-c strictly as a research-use-only chemical. It is not a drug, dietary supplement, or medical product. It is not intended for human consumption, medical treatment, veterinary treatment, diagnosis, prevention, or cure of any condition. No statements on this page have been evaluated by the FDA.
At a glance
MOTS-c is an unusual peptide, it’s actually encoded inside the mitochondria, the tiny energy factories within our cells. Scientists study it for how it influences metabolism, energy production, exercise capacity, and aging.
Levels of MOTS-c in the body drop noticeably as we get older, and researchers are exploring whether that decline plays a role in age-related issues like insulin resistance, muscle loss, and fatigue. The compound sold here is a research chemical, not a pharmaceutical or supplement, and is not for human or animal use.
What it is
MOTS-c (short for “Mitochondrial ORF of the 12S rRNA Type-C”) is a small peptide made of 16 amino acids. What makes it unusual is its origin: rather than being encoded in the cell’s nuclear DNA like most peptides, MOTS-c is encoded inside the small ring of mitochondrial DNA, specifically, within the 12S rRNA gene.
Researchers call peptides like this “mitochondrial-derived peptides” (MDPs). The first 11 amino acids of MOTS-c are highly conserved across many species, including humans and mice.
Researchers commonly study MOTS-c in laboratory contexts related to cellular energy metabolism, insulin sensitivity, exercise biology, and aging. Published research describes MOTS-c levels as decreasing with age in human plasma, which has driven interest in it as a research tool for studying mitochondrial signaling in aging biology.
Research areas being investigated
- Cellular energy / AMPK research: Studied for activation of the AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) pathway, often described in published research as the cell’s “low-energy sensor.”
- Insulin sensitivity research: Examined in skeletal-muscle cell cultures and rodent models for effects on glucose uptake and insulin signaling.
- Folate / AICAR pathway research: Investigated as part of the folate → AICAR → AMPK metabolic signaling axis.
- Obesity and diabetes models: Studied in rodent diet-induced obesity and insulin-resistance models.
- Exercise biology research: Examined in animal exercise-physiology models for effects on muscle metabolism and exercise capacity.
- Aging biology research: Investigated for declines in tissue and plasma MOTS-c with age, and for the relationship between MDPs and mitochondrial dysfunction in aging.
- Inflammation and oxidative-stress research: Studied for effects on Nrf2-driven antioxidant gene programs in cell-culture models.
What the research suggests so far
Animal / preclinical findings. Most published MOTS-c evidence comes from rodent studies. In high-fat-diet and aged-mouse models, researchers have reported observations consistent with improved insulin sensitivity, lower fasting glucose, reduced weight gain, and improvements in exercise capacity.
In Parkinson’s-related cell and rodent models exposed to rotenone, MOTS-c has been described as activating Nrf2-driven antioxidant defenses in dopaminergic neuron studies. These findings do not, on their own, demonstrate the same effects in humans.
Cell / lab findings. In cell-culture and biochemistry research, MOTS-c has been described as engaging the folate → AICAR → AMPK pathway, translocating from mitochondria to the nucleus under metabolic stress (in an AMPK-dependent manner), and binding stress-responsive transcription factors regulated by antioxidant response elements (AREs).
Mechanistic work has linked these activities to changes in glucose uptake, lipid handling, and antioxidant gene expression in cell-culture systems.
Human findings. Human evidence for MOTS-c is limited and largely observational. Published human research has described age-related declines in plasma MOTS-c concentrations and associations between MOTS-c levels and metabolic parameters in cross-sectional studies.
There are no large, published Phase III randomized controlled trials demonstrating efficacy for any condition. MOTS-c is not approved by the FDA, EMA, or other major regulators for any use.
Limitations of the evidence. Most of the MOTS-c literature is preclinical and dominated by a small number of research groups. Long-term human safety data, large-scale efficacy trials, and standardized human dosing studies are lacking. Reviewers in the recent peer-reviewed literature have specifically called out the need for additional rigorous human studies before any therapeutic conclusions can be drawn.
Research relevance
MOTS-c is most often discussed in research involving mitochondrial-derived peptide biology, AMPK signaling, insulin sensitivity in skeletal muscle, the folate / AICAR metabolic axis, exercise physiology, aging biology, and Nrf2 / antioxidant signaling. Most published findings are preclinical, so it should not be presented as a proven treatment for any condition.
Its scientific interest lies in its potential use as a research tool for studying mitochondrial signaling and metabolic homeostasis in the laboratory.
What cannot be claimed about MOTS-c
- It cannot be claimed to treat, cure, heal, or prevent any human or animal condition.
- It cannot be claimed to treat type 2 diabetes, obesity, metabolic syndrome, or insulin resistance.
- It cannot be claimed to slow aging, extend lifespan, or reverse mitochondrial decline.
- It cannot be claimed to improve athletic performance, exercise capacity, or recovery in humans.
- It cannot be claimed to be safe or effective for human or veterinary use.
- It cannot be claimed to be approved by the FDA or any other regulatory authority.
Summary
MOTS-c is a 16-amino-acid mitochondrial-derived peptide encoded within the 12S rRNA region of the mitochondrial genome. It is studied in laboratory and animal research related to AMPK signaling, insulin sensitivity, glucose metabolism, exercise physiology, aging biology, and Nrf2 antioxidant defense. Published evidence comes mainly from rodent and cell-culture experiments and from observational human plasma studies.
MOTS-c is not approved by the FDA or any other regulatory authority and is sold here strictly as a research-use-only chemical for laboratory investigation. It is not intended for human consumption, medical use, or veterinary use.
Short version
MOTS-c is a 16-amino-acid mitochondrial-derived peptide. It is most often studied in cell and rodent research on AMPK signaling, insulin sensitivity, exercise biology, and aging. Human evidence is limited and it is not approved for any medical use. Sold for research and laboratory use only.
Source notes
- Xing L, et al. Mitochondrial-derived peptide MOTS-c activates metabolic signaling but blunts reparative function in human mesenchymal stromal cells. Inflammation and regeneration, 2026. (PubMed PMID: 42324588.)
- Mills AR, et al. Mitochondrial peptide MOTS-c suppresses systemic and cardiac inflammasome activation in a diabetic rat model. Experimental physiology, 2026. (PubMed PMID: 42321010.)
- Sonay HO, et al. Reduced Circulating MOTS-c Levels in Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis Reflect Integrated Autoimmune and Metabolic Dysregulation: A Cross-Sectional Study. Journal of clinical medicine, 2026. (PubMed PMID: 42278864.)
- Jamnick NA, et al. MOTS-c partially protects against skeletal muscle deterioration in C26 cachexia. Frontiers in medicine, 2026. (PubMed PMID: 42266945.)
- Feng Z, et al. MOTS-c attenuates cardiac dysfunction following high altitude exposure by promoting mitophagy. Free radical biology & medicine, 2026. (PubMed PMID: 41654147.)
- Santhanam SS, et al. Exogenous MOTS-c mitigates myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury: experimental and in silico evidence from rat heart models. Naunyn-Schmiedeberg’s archives of pharmacology, 2026. (PubMed PMID: 41593376.)
- Lee C, et al. The mitochondrial-derived peptide MOTS-c promotes metabolic homeostasis and reduces obesity and insulin resistance. Cell Metab, 2015, foundational mechanistic / animal study. (PMC4350682.)
- D’Souza RF, et al. MOTS-c: a promising mitochondrial-derived peptide for therapeutic exploitation. Front Endocrinol, 2023, review article. (PMC9905433.)
- Mendelsohn AR, Larrick JW. Mitochondria-derived peptide MOTS-c: effects and mechanisms related to stress, metabolism and aging. 2022, review article. (PubMed PMID: 36670507.)
- Yang B, et al. The Mitochondrial-Derived Peptide (MOTS-c) interacted with Nrf2 to defend the antioxidant system to protect dopaminergic neurons against rotenone exposure. 2023, cell / animal study. (PubMed PMID: 37380822.)
- Cai H, et al. MOTS-c, the most recent mitochondrial-derived peptide in human aging and age-related diseases. 2022, review article. (PubMed PMID: 36233287.)
- Kim KH, et al. The mitochondrial-derived peptide MOTS-c is a regulator of plasma metabolites and enhances insulin sensitivity. 2018, animal / cell study.
Source types: entries 1, 4, 6 are mechanistic / animal / cell studies; entries 2, 3, 5 are review articles synthesizing the preclinical literature.
SEO meta description
MOTS-c is a 16-amino-acid mitochondrial-derived peptide studied in preclinical research on AMPK signaling, insulin sensitivity, exercise, and aging. Research-use only.
Reminder. BioChain USA sells MOTS-c strictly as a research-use-only chemical for qualified laboratory and educational use. It is not intended for human consumption, medical treatment, veterinary treatment, diagnosis, prevention, or cure of disease.
Chemical Reference Data
| Molecular Weight | ~2,174.5 g/mol |
|---|---|
| Peptide Length | 16 amino acids |
| Amino Acid Sequence | Met-Arg-Trp-Gln-Glu-Met-Gly-Tyr-Ile-Phe-Tyr-Pro-Arg-Lys-Leu-Arg |
| Structural Classification | Mitochondrial-derived peptide (MDP); linear peptide, no disulfide bonds |
| Genomic Origin | Encoded within MT-RNR1 (mitochondrial 12S rRNA gene) |
| CAS Number | 1627580-64-6 |
Structural Origin and Biological Context
Unlike most studied peptides that are encoded in the nuclear genome, MOTS-c is translated from a short open reading frame embedded within the mitochondrial 12S ribosomal RNA gene. Its discovery,
reported in peer-reviewed literature circa 2015, expanded the concept of the mitochondrial genome as a source of bioactive peptide regulators, previously thought to encode only oxidative phosphorylation
components.
Structurally, MOTS-c is a linear, 16-residue peptide with no disulfide bonds. Research literature describes it as capable of translocating from mitochondria to the cytoplasm and
nucleus under certain cellular stress conditions, where it has been reported to interact with metabolic regulatory networks.
Its high arginine content at the C-terminal region is a feature noted in mechanistic studies examining intracellular transport and nuclear localization behavior. Published work describes MOTS-c as
a peptide whose biological activity may be context-dependent, influenced by cellular energy state and metabolic demand.
BioChain USA does not make medical claims. Research context does not equal clinical outcome data.
Research Applications
MOTS-c is used as a research tool to investigate:
- Mitochondrial-nuclear signaling, how mitochondria communicate metabolic status to the nucleus via peptide intermediaries
- AMPK pathway activation, published studies describe MOTS-c-associated AMPK signaling modulation in experimental models
- Insulin sensitivity and glucose homeostasis, in vitro and in vivo models examining metabolic substrate utilization under MOTS-c treatment conditions
- Aging biology and cellular senescence, research exploring how circulating MOTS-c levels correlate with age-related metabolic changes in observational and mechanistic study
designs - Exercise physiology research, studies examining MOTS-c behavior in response to energetic stress, including exercise-mimetic experimental paradigms
- Mitokine biology, foundational research into the role of mitochondrially encoded peptides as a new class of bioactive regulators
Key Research Themes in the Literature
1. Mitochondrial Genome as a Peptide Source
The identification of MOTS-c established that the mitochondrial genome, previously thought to encode only 13 oxidative phosphorylation proteins plus ribosomal and transfer RNAs, also encodes
functional bioactive peptides. Research in this area focuses on:
- Mapping additional open reading frames within the mitochondrial genome that may encode undiscovered MDPs
- Characterizing the biosynthetic and secretion pathways by which MOTS-c exits mitochondria
- Comparing MOTS-c to other known MDPs (humanin, SHLP1-6) within the broader MDP family
2. AMPK Activation and Metabolic Regulation
Published studies describe MOTS-c as capable of activating AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) in experimental systems. AMPK is a central cellular energy sensor, and its activation has downstream
effects on glucose uptake, fatty acid oxidation, and mitochondrial biogenesis in research models. Key themes include:
- Mechanistic studies examining which upstream kinases and metabolic intermediates mediate MOTS-c-associated AMPK activation
- Glucose transporter expression and membrane translocation in MOTS-c-treated cell lines
- Metabolic flux studies examining substrate preference shifts under experimental MOTS-c exposure
3. Aging, Longevity, and Circulating Levels
A distinct body of literature examines MOTS-c in the context of aging. Observational studies have reported differences in circulating MOTS-c levels between younger and older human subjects, and
between centenarians and age-matched controls. Research themes here include:
- Cross-sectional analyses of MOTS-c plasma levels across age groups
- Mechanistic hypotheses linking declining MOTS-c levels to age-associated metabolic dysfunction
- Senescence pathway modulation in cellular aging models treated with MOTS-c
4. Nuclear Translocation and Gene Regulation
Studies have reported that MOTS-c can translocate from mitochondria to the nucleus in response to cellular stress, an unusual property for a mitochondrially derived molecule. Once in the
nucleus, MOTS-c has been described as interacting with transcriptional regulatory elements. Published research in this theme examines:
- Stress-induced nuclear localization dynamics and the mechanisms driving translocation
- Interaction with ARE (antioxidant response element) and related promoter regions
- Downstream gene expression changes in response to nuclear MOTS-c presence
Certificate of Analysis (COA)
- COA provided where available for the specific batch shipped.
- The batch COA is the authoritative reference for analytical methods, purity data, and lot-specific testing for that shipment.
- COA information is batch-specific and is not interchangeable between lots.
Storage and Handling
General peptide handling guidance for research use:
- Store in a cool, dry, dark environment.
- For extended storage, follow standard peptide handling protocols: cold storage with protection from light and moisture.
- Avoid repeated open-close cycles that introduce humidity to the lyophilized material.
BioChain USA does not provide instructions for human or animal administration.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this product for human use?
No. MOTS-c is not approved or intended for human or veterinary use. It is sold exclusively for in vitro research, laboratory, and analytical purposes. It is
not a drug, supplement, or therapeutic product of any kind.
What makes MOTS-c different from other research peptides?
MOTS-c is notable in the research literature for its genomic origin, it is encoded within the mitochondrial genome rather than the nuclear genome, making it part of a newly
characterized class of mitochondrial-derived peptides (MDPs). This origin is scientifically distinct from synthetic peptides designed outside of natural genomic contexts.
What is MOTS-c used for in research?
MOTS-c is used in laboratory settings to study mitochondrial-nuclear crosstalk, AMPK activation pathways, metabolic regulation, insulin sensitivity models, aging biology, and
nuclear translocation dynamics. Specific applications depend on the researcher’s study design and institutional objectives.
Do you provide dosing instructions or administration protocols?
No. BioChain USA does not provide dosing guidance, administration instructions, or protocols for human or animal use. Researchers are responsible for designing in vitro study
protocols appropriate to their applications and institutional requirements.
Do you provide a Certificate of Analysis (COA)?
Yes, where available. COAs are batch-specific documents reflecting the analytical testing and purity data for that particular lot. The COA included with your order is the
authoritative reference for that batch. Availability may vary by lot.
Compliance and Disclaimers
- Sold for research, laboratory, or analytical purposes only.
- Not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or condition.
- Not for human or animal consumption.
- Purchaser assumes full responsibility for compliance with all applicable local, state, and federal regulations governing the purchase and use of research compounds.
References & additional MOTS-c resources
MOTS-c Overview at BioChain USA
This MOTS-c product page lists the 10 mg lyophilized vial of the BioChain USA research-grade MOTS-c compound.
Every MOTS-c lot is independently third-party tested, with a COA available per batch.
MOTS-c is supplied strictly for in vitro research use and is not approved for human or animal consumption.
MOTS-c Product Imagery
Related BioChain Research Peptides
MOTS-c is part of a broader catalog of research-grade peptides at BioChain USA. Each related product is third-party tested.
- NAD+ research-grade peptide
- Tesamorelin research-grade peptide
- BPC-157 research-grade peptide
- TB-500 research-grade peptide
External Peer-Reviewed Research Literature
Investigators studying the MOTS-c compound class may consult external research databases for published literature.
- PubMed: MOTS-c published research literature
- NCBI PMC: MOTS-c open access articles
- PubMed: peptide research literature
MOTS-c FAQ
What is MOTS-c? MOTS-c is a research-grade compound supplied by BioChain USA as a lyophilized vial for in vitro laboratory research only.
What vial size does BioChain USA offer? This product page lists the 10 mg vial size.
Is MOTS-c tested? Yes. Every MOTS-c lot is independently third-party tested and ships with a COA reference when available.
Can MOTS-c be used on humans or animals? No. MOTS-c is supplied strictly for in vitro research use. It is not approved for human or animal consumption.
How does MOTS-c ship? BioChain USA ships MOTS-c as a lyophilized powder in a sealed research vial.
Where can researchers find MOTS-c published literature? PubMed and NCBI PMC list peer-reviewed studies on the MOTS-c compound class.
