MOTS-C

Description

Product Specifications – MOTS-c (Mitochondrial-Derived Peptide)

Parameter	Details
Product Name	MOTS-c (Mitochondrial Open Reading Frame of the 12S rRNA-c)
Category	Mitochondrial-derived peptide for cellular metabolism research Investigational peptide for laboratory studies
Peptide Length	16 amino acids
Amino Acid Sequence	MRWQEMGYIFYPRKLR
Molecular Formula	C₁₀₁H₁₅₂N₂₈O₂₂S₂
Molecular Weight	~2174 Da
Form & Purity	Lyophilized powder; ≥98% purity (HPLC-verified)
Storage	Lyophilized: –20°C to –80°C, protected from light/moisture Reconstituted: 4°C short-term; avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles

Research Background

MOTS-c is a mitochondrial-derived peptide encoded by the mitochondrial 12S rRNA gene. First identified in 2015, this 16-amino acid peptide is studied in laboratory research for its interactions with cellular metabolism pathways and mitochondrial function mechanisms.

Molecular Pathway Research Applications

Cellular Energy Metabolism & AMPK Pathway Studies

Laboratory research investigates MOTS-c’s effects on cellular energy metabolism through AMPK (AMP-activated protein kinase) pathway activation studies:

• AMPK Activation Research: Studies examine AMPK phosphorylation mechanisms in cell culture models
• Glucose Metabolism Pathways: Laboratory investigations of glucose uptake and utilization in cellular systems
• Mitochondrial Function Studies: Research on oxidative phosphorylation and ATP production mechanisms
• Metabolic Stress Response: Studies examining cellular adaptation to metabolic challenges in vitro

Research models examine how AMPK activation influences downstream metabolic pathways in controlled laboratory conditions. Studies investigate the role of folate-AICAR axis interactions in AMPK-mediated metabolic regulation mechanisms. [1]

Nuclear Translocation & Gene Expression Research

Recent laboratory studies investigate MOTS-c’s translocation mechanisms and nuclear localization patterns:

• Nuclear Import Studies: Research on nuclear translocation signals and transport mechanisms
• Gene Expression Analysis: Studies examining antioxidant response element (ARE) activation in cell culture
• Stress Response Pathways: Laboratory investigations of cellular stress response gene regulation
• Transcriptional Regulation Research: Studies on nuclear signaling pathways and gene expression modulation

Research examines stress-dependent nuclear translocation mechanisms and their role in regulating cellular antioxidant defense pathways in laboratory models. Studies investigate how nuclear MOTS-c interacts with metabolic gene regulatory networks. [2]

Mitochondrial Biogenesis & Function Research

Laboratory applications include studies of:

• Mitochondrial respiration capacity in cellular assays
• Oxidative stress response mechanisms in cell culture
• Mitochondrial membrane potential measurements
• Cellular ATP production pathway studies
• Mitochondrial DNA copy number investigations

Insulin Sensitivity & Metabolic Pathway Research

Preclinical research models investigate:

• Insulin signaling pathway components in cellular systems
• Glucose uptake mechanisms in muscle and adipose tissue culture
• Metabolic flexibility studies in various cell types
• Lipid metabolism pathway research in hepatocyte models

Studies examine MOTS-c’s effects on insulin-stimulated glucose uptake mechanisms and metabolic pathway regulation in controlled laboratory conditions.

Cellular Aging & Longevity Pathway Research

Investigational studies examine:

• Cellular senescence markers in culture models
• NAD+/NADH ratio measurements in metabolic research
• Mitochondrial function in aging cell culture systems
• Oxidative stress biomarkers in cellular aging models
• Sirtuin pathway interactions in longevity research

Laboratory research investigates age-related changes in mitochondrial peptide expression and their associations with cellular metabolic function in various experimental models.

Preclinical Research Models

MOTS-c has been investigated in various preclinical research contexts:

Metabolic Research Models

Animal studies have examined:

• Glucose tolerance test outcomes in mouse models
• Insulin sensitivity measurements in rodent research
• Body composition analysis in metabolic studies
• Energy expenditure measurements in animal models
• Physical endurance capacity assessments in exercise research

Note: All studies represent preclinical animal research and do not indicate human applications.

Skeletal Muscle Research

Laboratory investigations include:

• Muscle glucose uptake mechanisms in tissue culture
• Glycogen synthesis pathway studies
• Mitochondrial density measurements in muscle tissue
• Exercise adaptation pathway research in animal models

Adipose Tissue & Metabolic Research

Studies examine:

• Adipocyte metabolism in cell culture systems
• Thermogenic pathway investigations in brown adipose tissue models
• Lipid storage and mobilization mechanisms in research systems
• Inflammatory marker expression in adipose tissue culture

Hepatic Metabolism Research

Research applications include:

• Hepatic glucose production pathway studies
• Lipid metabolism investigations in hepatocyte culture
• Insulin signaling pathway research in liver models
• Metabolic stress response mechanisms in hepatic systems

Cardiovascular & Vascular Research

Exploratory preclinical studies have investigated:

• Endothelial function markers in vascular research models
• Oxidative stress measurements in cardiovascular tissue
• Inflammatory cytokine expression in vascular cell culture
• Blood pressure regulation mechanisms in animal models

Research represents early-stage preclinical investigations in animal models.

Laboratory Handling & Storage Guidelines

Storage Protocol:

• Store lyophilized powder at –20°C to –80°C in dry conditions protected from light
• Reconstitute using appropriate sterile technique
• Use sterile water or appropriate buffer for reconstitution
• Store reconstituted solutions at 4°C for short-term use
• Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles to maintain peptide integrity
• Create aliquots for single-use to preserve stability

Quality Verification:

• Certificate of Analysis (COA) verification recommended
• HPLC purity confirmation (≥98%)
• Mass spectrometry verification when available
• Endotoxin testing for cell culture applications

Research Observations from Literature

Preclinical Study Findings:

Published animal studies generally report tolerability in rodent models with various administration routes. Research protocols note successful subcutaneous and intraperitoneal delivery methods in experimental settings.

Research Limitations:

• Most data derives from preclinical animal studies
• Human clinical data remains extremely limited
• Long-term safety profiles not established in any species
• Optimal dosing and administration routes not validated
• Individual variability in research responses observed

Research References

⚠️ CITATION NOTICE: The following references represent published scientific research conducted in controlled laboratory and preclinical settings. These studies do not represent approved applications and are provided for research reference only.

1. Lee, C., Zeng, J., Drew, B. G., Sallam, T., Martin-Montalvo, A., Wan, J., Kim, S. J., Mehta, H., Hevener, A. L., de Cabo, R., & Cohen, P. (2015). The mitochondrial-derived peptide MOTS-c promotes metabolic homeostasis and reduces obesity and insulin resistance. Cell Metabolism, 21(3), 443–454. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cmet.2015.02.009
2. Kim, K. H., Son, J. M., Benayoun, B. A., & Lee, C. (2018). The Mitochondrial-Encoded Peptide MOTS-c Translocates to the Nucleus to Regulate Nuclear Gene Expression in Response to Metabolic Stress. Cell Metabolism, 28(3), 516–524.e7. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cmet.2018.06.008
3. Ming, W., Lu, G., Xin, S., Huanyu, L., Yinghao, J., Xiaoying, L., Chengxia, K., Bin, S., & Xiaojing, Z. (2016). Mitochondria related peptide MOTS-c suppresses ovariectomy-induced bone loss via AMPK activation. Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications, 476(4), 412–419. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bbrc.2016.05.135
4. Reynolds, J. C., Lai, R. W., Woodhead, J. S. T., Joly, J. H., Mitchell, C. J., Cameron-Smith, D., Lu, R., Cohen, P., Graham, N. A., Benayoun, B. A., Merry, T. L., & Lee, C. (2021). MOTS-c is an exercise-induced mitochondrial-encoded regulator of age-dependent physical decline and muscle homeostasis. Nature Communications, 12(1), 470. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-020-20790-0
5. Zhai, Z., Li, R., Ji, W., Xu, J., Li, Y., Ding, C., Han, J., Su, L., Ma, Y., Li, G., Wu, Y., Zhang, Y., Xu, T., Bi, B., Yao, Y., Guan, H., Zhao, Q., Ma, J., Wang, H., … Ma, Y. (2022). Mitochondria-derived peptide MOTS-c prevents nonalcoholic steatohepatitis by regulating metabolic dysregulation and oxidative stress. Cell Death & Disease, 13(11), 927. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41419-022-05377-w
6. Cataldo, L. R., Fernández-Verdejo, R., Santos, J. L., & Galgani, J. E. (2023). Plasma MOTS-c levels are associated with insulin sensitivity in lean but not in obese individuals. The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, 108(2), e55–e60. https://doi.org/10.1210/clinem/dgac527