MOTS-c
Mitochondrial open reading frame of the 12S rRNA type-c
A peptide encoded by mitochondrial DNA, discovered in 2015. It is studied as a signal between mitochondria and the rest of the cell, especially in glucose metabolism and ageing models in mice.
Structure
A 16-residue peptide encoded in mitochondrial DNA, with several aromatic residues and a basic C-terminal tail. Select any residue to see what it is.
Evidence at a glance
Where the published research on MOTS-c comes from, by type of study.
Cell studies
Muscle and other cell lines: AMPK activation, glucose uptake and nuclear signalling under stress.
Animal studies
Mice: insulin sensitivity, diet-induced obesity and physical capacity in older animals.
Human studies
An analogue has entered early clinical trials. MOTS-c itself has no published controlled trials in people.
Research areas
What laboratories have studied MOTS-c for, and in which models. These are research questions, not proven uses.
Glucose metabolism
Mouse diet-induced obesitySkeletal muscle cells- Activated AMPK and improved insulin sensitivity in mice.
- Increased glucose uptake in muscle cells.
Ageing and exercise
Aged mice- Improved physical performance measures in older mice.
- Circulating levels studied in relation to age in people (observational).
Nuclear signalling
Cell stress models- Moves to the nucleus under metabolic stress and affects gene expression.
Legal status
MOTS-c is not an approved medicine anywhere we cover. Suppliers may sell it for laboratory research only, and regulators judge that by the whole website, not the label.
United States Not approved
Not FDA-approved for any human use. May be sold for laboratory research only; FDA judges intended use from the whole website, not the label.
United Kingdom Not licensed
No MHRA licence. Sold with medicinal claims it counts as a medicine under the Human Medicines Regulations 2012.
European Union Not authorised
No EMA authorisation. Under Directive 2001/83/EC a substance can be a medicine by function, whatever its label says.
Sport Check S0
Not approved for human use, so it falls under WADA's S0 non-approved substances class. Check the current list.
Lab handling
General good practice for research materials. Follow the supplier's datasheet where it differs.
Storage
Keep the sealed material at −20 °C, dry and away from light. Let the vial reach room temperature before opening to stop condensation.
Solubility
Generally soluble in sterile water; some batches need dilute acid. Add solvent down the vial wall and swirl gently rather than shaking.
Aliquots
Split solutions into single-use aliquots, label with lot number and date, and freeze. Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles.
Work out your stock solution
Stock concentration, molarity and dilutions for MOTS-c, using MW 2174.64 g/mol.
Before you buy for your lab
Tick each check as you confirm it with the supplier. Do not order until all six are done.
Questions researchers ask
What is MOTS-c?
A peptide encoded by mitochondrial DNA, discovered in 2015. It is studied as a signal between mitochondria and the rest of the cell, especially in glucose metabolism and ageing models in mice.
What is the molecular weight of MOTS-c?
About 2174.64 g/mol for the free peptide. Salt forms such as acetate weigh more, so use the figure on your batch certificate of analysis.
Is MOTS-c approved for human use?
No. Not FDA-approved for any human use. May be sold for laboratory research only; FDA judges intended use from the whole website, not the label.
How should MOTS-c be stored in the lab?
Keep the sealed material cold, dry and away from light, typically at −20 °C. Once in solution, split it into single-use aliquots and freeze to avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles.
Does this page give doses?
No. We publish laboratory and educational information only, never doses, injection guidance or treatment advice.
