MOTS-c 10mg Research Peptide

MOTS-c 10mg research peptide (mitochondrial open reading frame of the 12S rRNA-c) is a 16-amino acid bioactive peptide encoded by a gene within mitochondrial DNA, distinguishing it from most peptides encoded in the nucleus.

First identified in 2015, this endogenous peptide has emerged as a promising subject of research in the fields of metabolism, aging, and cellular energy homeostasis.

As a mitochondrial-derived peptide (MDP), MOTS-c acts as a critical regulator of cellular homeostasis, particularly under metabolic stress. It has the unique ability to translocate from the mitochondria to the nucleus,

where it directly controls the transcription of nuclear genes to achieve metabolic balance. Research has identified it as an “exercise-mimetic” compound, as it can improve glucose uptake in skeletal muscle and enhance insulin sensitivity without requiring insulin.

A Next-Generation Mitochondrial-Derived Peptide for Metabolic and Cellular Research.

Mechanism of Action: The AMPK Pathway

MOTS-c’s primary mechanism involves activation of AMPK (AMP-activated protein kinase), a key enzyme that regulates cellular energy balance. When activated, AMPK triggers several downstream effects:

• Stimulates glucose uptake in skeletal muscle cells

• Increases fat metabolism for energy production

• Enhances mitochondrial function and biogenesis 

This peptide inhibits the folate cycle and de novo purine synthesis, elevating AICAR levels to activate AMPK, which in turn regulates the Nrf2/Keap1 antioxidant pathway and suppresses the NF-κB inflammatory pathway. Through these mechanisms, MOTS-c promotes improvements in glucose and lipid metabolism, antioxidative stress, and neuroprotection.

Key Research Applications

MOTS-c is being investigated across multiple domains of biomedical research:

• Metabolic Health & Obesity: Research suggests MOTS-c may counteract diet-induced obesity and insulin resistance by activating AMPK. Scientists are currently recruiting for a 12-week clinical trial to test its effectiveness in adults with obesity and prediabetes.

• Muscle Health & Performance: Studies demonstrate that MOTS-c can preserve myotube area and fusion index against glucocorticoid-induced atrophy in human skeletal muscle cells, potentially through selective inhibition of MURF1, enhancing Akt signaling, and suppressing STAT3 activation. Higher serum MOTS-c concentrations are positively correlated with greater muscle mass, force, and power.

• Cognitive & Brain Health: MOTS-c has demonstrated neuroprotective effects, enhancing memory and attenuating memory impairment through the inhibition of neuroinflammation. Peripheral administration has shown promising results in enhancing cognitive function.

• Inflammatory Pain: Research indicates that MOTS-c produces potent anti-allodynic effects in multiple acute and chronic inflammatory pain models, suggesting its potential as a therapeutic target for inflammatory pain.

• Pancreatic & Metabolic Function: MOTS-c modulates pancreatic islet function, reducing insulin and glucagon secretion while enhancing cell viability. It has also been shown to protect pancreatic islets in models of type 1 diabetes mellitus.

• Sleep & Respiratory Research: Lower serum MOTS-c levels have been associated with moderate-to-severe obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), suggesting a possible role in OSA pathogenesis and a potential therapeutic target.

Product Specifications

Quality and Trust

• High Purity: This product is manufactured to the highest quality standards, with purity verified by HPLC (≥99.1%).

• Research-Grade: Intended for in vitro laboratory research and experimental use only.

• Cold Chain Validated: Product is validated for long-transit cold chain shipping to ensure stability and integrity.

Important Note: This product is intended for laboratory research purposes only. It is not approved for human use, not intended for consumption, and is not a dietary supplement, drug, or therapeutic. The FDA is currently reviewing MOTS-c’s potential in treating obesity and bone health as part of an advisory committee meeting.

Storage: Store lyophilized powder at -20°C for long-term stability. Once reconstituted, refrigerate and use within a short timeframe to prevent degradation.