MOTS-c Compound Reference
Published · Last updated · Publisher: ENOS Labs USA
What is MOTS-c?
MOTS-c is a 16 residue peptide encoded by a short open reading frame in mitochondrial DNA. It was first described in 2015 as a regulator of metabolic signaling in cells and mice, and later work examined it in exercise and aging models. Its literature is preclinical, and it is not an approved drug.
- Synonyms
- Mitochondrial open reading frame of the 12S rRNA type-c; Mitochondrial derived peptide MOTS-c
- Classification
- 16 amino acid peptide encoded in the mitochondrial genome
What is MOTS-c?
MOTS-c belongs to the mitochondrial derived peptides, a small family that also includes humanin. Its sequence is encoded within the mitochondrial 12S rRNA gene region.
Research context
Studies examine glucose and fat metabolism, insulin sensitivity in rodent diet models, skeletal muscle in aging and exercise, and signaling between mitochondria and the nucleus.
Mechanisms being investigated
- AMPK pathway activation reported in cell and mouse studies.
- Translocation to the nucleus under metabolic stress, with effects on gene expression.
Research status
Approval status: Not approved for human use. Highest evidence tier in the cited literature: preclinical.
Preclinical. MOTS-c is not approved by the FDA for any use and has no published controlled human efficacy trials.
Established findings
- Its mitochondrial genetic origin and sequence.
- Endogenous circulating MOTS-c has been measured in humans.
Preliminary or experimental findings
- Metabolic and exercise capacity effects reported in mice.
- Any effect from administering the peptide in humans.
Chemical reference information
| Molecular formula | C101H152N28O22S2 |
|---|---|
| Molecular weight | 2174.6 g/mol |
| CAS number | 1627580-64-6 |
| PubChem CID | 146675088 |
Values taken from the PubChem record.
Testing considerations
- Contains methionine and cysteine residues that are prone to oxidation; look for oxidized forms in the impurity profile.
- Identity by mass spectrometry against the 16 residue sequence.
General methods are explained in purity versus identity testing.
What is still unknown
- Human pharmacology.
- The receptor or binding partners that mediate its reported effects.
Related resources
ENOS catalog listing: MOTS-c 10MG
Research use limitations
This page summarizes published research and regulatory status. It is not medical advice and does not describe any use in people. Material supplied by ENOS Labs USA is for in-vitro laboratory research only and is not a drug product, even where a related drug has been approved.
To continue, see mitochondrial peptide research, how to read a certificate of analysis, why purity and identity are separate tests, the compound directory and the peptide testing glossary.
References
Each source below was opened and checked against its PubMed, ClinicalTrials.gov or PubChem record. Links open in a new tab.
- The mitochondrial-derived peptide MOTS-c promotes metabolic homeostasis and reduces obesity and insulin resistance (PMID 25738459)Cell Metabolism, 2015 · PubMed
- MOTS-c is an exercise-induced mitochondrial-encoded regulator of age-dependent physical decline and muscle homeostasis (PMID 33473109)Nature Communications, 2021 · PubMed
- MOTS-c: A Mitochondrial-Encoded Regulator of the Nucleus (PMID 31378979)BioEssays, 2019 · PubMed
- MOTS-c compound record (PubChem CID 146675088)PubChem · NIH National Library of Medicine
These products are sold strictly for in-vitro laboratory research and are not intended for human consumption, diagnosis, treatment, or any therapeutic use. Purchaser must be 18 years of age or older and confirms they are a qualified researcher.