MOTS-c: The Mitochondrial-Derived Peptide Explained for Researchers

MOTS-c is unusual among research peptides: its sequence is encoded in mitochondrial DNA, not in the nucleus. Since its description in 2015 it has become one of the most studied mitochondrial-derived peptides in cellular energy and metabolic research. This guide explains where it comes from, what the literature covers and how to verify a batch.

Key Facts

• Type: Mitochondrial-derived peptide (16 amino acids), made by chemical synthesis
• Sequence: Met-Arg-Trp-Gln-Glu-Met-Gly-Tyr-Ile-Phe-Tyr-Pro-Arg-Lys-Leu-Arg
• Molecular formula: C101H152N28O22S2
• Molecular mass: about 2,174.6 Da (free peptide)
• CAS number: 1627580-64-6
• Supplied as: lyophilised powder in a sealed vial

What MOTS-c Is

The name stands for mitochondrial open reading frame of the 12S rRNA type-c. It is a chain of sixteen amino acids (Met-Arg-Trp-Gln-Glu-Met-Gly-Tyr-Ile-Phe-Tyr-Pro-Arg-Lys-Leu-Arg) with a molecular weight of about 2,174.6 Da. The research material is made by chemical synthesis and supplied as a lyophilised powder.

What the Research Literature Covers

Published work is in cell cultures and animal models. The main topics are:

• The AMPK signalling pathway
• Glucose metabolism in cell and mouse models
• Cellular response to metabolic stress
• Exercise-related models in mice

These are laboratory findings. CellMind supplies MOTS-c strictly for research purposes, not for human consumption.

How Purity Is Verified

MOTS-c contains two methionine residues, which oxidise easily. HPLC separates the target peptide from oxidised and truncated forms, and mass spectrometry confirms the molecular weight. Both results belong on a batch-specific Certificate of Analysis. For how to read one, see What Is a CoA and Why Is It the Only Real Proof of Peptide Purity.

Checklist Before You Buy MOTS-c

• A CoA for the specific batch
• HPLC purity stated as a number, above 99%
• Mass confirmed on the report
• The amount per vial stated clearly (10 mg)
• A batch number on the vial that matches the report

Common Questions About MOTS-c

Why is MOTS-c called a mitochondrial-derived peptide?

Its sequence is encoded in the mitochondrial genome, inside the gene for 12S ribosomal RNA, not in nuclear DNA. The research material itself is made by chemical synthesis.

Why do the methionine residues matter?

MOTS-c has two methionines, and each can take up an oxygen atom. Every oxidation adds 16 Da, so oxidised forms appear as separate peaks in HPLC and in the mass spectrum.

What mass should a MOTS-c report show?

About 2,174.6 Da for the free peptide. Salt forms weigh more, so the report should state which form was measured.

Storage and Handling

Keep lyophilised vials in a cool, dark place. Once reconstituted, the solution should be refrigerated and used within the planned research window. Avoid repeated temperature changes: they are the most common cause of degradation that nobody notices until results stop matching.

CellMind MOTS-c 10mg

• 10 mg lyophilised powder per vial, sealed under inert conditions
• HPLC-tested above 99% purity, batch-specific CoA
• Frequently studied alongside NAD+ in mitochondrial-focused research

Product page: MOTS-c 10mg. Reports for current batches: Lab Reports and CoA.

Sources

• Lee C. et al. Cell Metabolism. 2015;21(3):443–454.