MOTS-C

MOTS-c is a 16-amino-acid peptide (MRWQEMGYIFYPRKLR) encoded within the mitochondrial genome, in the region of the 12S rRNA gene. It was described in 2015 as one of a small family of mitochondrial-derived peptides and is studied in metabolism research, including its relationship to the AMPK signaling pathway.

These are three different kinds of molecule that appear together in metabolism research. 5-Amino-1MQ is a small-molecule inhibitor of the enzyme nicotinamide N-methyltransferase (NNMT). MOTS-c is a 16-amino-acid peptide encoded in mitochondrial DNA. NAD+ (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide) is a coenzyme found in every living cell. Only MOTS-c is a peptide.

They are different small molecules with different targets. 5-Amino-1MQ inhibits the enzyme nicotinamide N-methyltransferase (NNMT). SLU-PP-332 is a synthetic agonist of the estrogen-related receptors (ERRα, β and γ), nuclear receptors involved in mitochondrial gene programs, developed at Saint Louis University. Neither is a peptide, and neither is FDA approved. MOTS-c, by contrast, is a peptide, and AICAR acts through AMPK.

Published research on MOTS-c has been mainly preclinical, in cell culture and rodent models, examining mitochondrial-derived peptide signaling, the folate cycle and AMPK pathway, and its movement into the nucleus under cellular stress. Research areas include metabolic regulation, exercise physiology and aging, and some observational studies have measured MOTS-c levels in human blood. Findings in cells or animals do not establish effects in people.

No. MOTS-c has not been approved by the FDA for any use and is not an approved medicine in any country. A modified analogue developed by CohBar entered early-stage clinical trials, but MOTS-c itself remains an investigational research compound. It is sold here for laboratory use only.

Yes. MOTS-c is a 16-amino-acid peptide (MRWQEMGYIFYPRKLR). It is unusual because it is encoded in mitochondrial DNA, within the 12S rRNA gene, rather than in the cell nucleus, making it one of a small family of mitochondrial-derived peptides.

MOTS-c stands for "mitochondrial open reading frame of the 12S rRNA type-c". The name describes where it is encoded: a short open reading frame within the 12S ribosomal RNA gene of the mitochondrial genome. It was described in 2015 by researchers at the University of Southern California.

No. MOTS-c is a 16-amino-acid mitochondrial-derived peptide and has no sequence relationship to GLP-1. It is studied in connection with the AMPK pathway rather than incretin receptors. Retatrutide, tirzepatide and semaglutide, by contrast, are fatty-acid-modified peptides designed to activate the GLP-1 receptor (and, for the first two, the GIP and, for retatrutide, glucagon receptors).

Both are studied in connection with AMPK, but they are different kinds of molecule. AICAR is a synthetic nucleoside that cells convert to ZMP, an AMP mimic that activates AMPK directly. MOTS-c is a 16-amino-acid peptide encoded in mitochondrial DNA; research links it to AMPK indirectly, through the folate cycle and a build-up of the AICAR-related intermediate in cells. Only MOTS-c is a peptide.

Both are peptides studied in mitochondria research, but they differ in origin and target. MOTS-c is a natural 16-amino-acid peptide encoded in mitochondrial DNA. SS-31 (elamipretide) is a synthetic tetrapeptide (D-Arg-Dmt-Lys-Phe-NH2) designed to associate with cardiolipin in the inner mitochondrial membrane. They share no sequence.

For storage, yes. Keep lyophilized MOTS-c refrigerated at 2–8 °C, or frozen at −20 °C or below for long-term storage, sealed and away from light. Let the vial reach room temperature before opening. After reconstitution, keep the solution refrigerated and avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles.

MOTS-c is not a controlled substance under US federal law, and it can be purchased as a research peptide for laboratory use. It is not an approved drug, so it may not be sold for human consumption or marketed with health claims. This is general information, not legal advice.

MOTS-C: molecular weight approximately 2174.6 g/mol; CAS number 1627580-64-6. Sequence: MRWQEMGYIFYPRKLR. Match these identifiers against the Certificate of Analysis for the lot.

Yes. Each lot has its own Certificate of Analysis, linked on this page for the current lot of each size: 20mg (98.84% HPLC purity); 40mg (99.64% HPLC purity). Past certificates are archived in the COA library; contact us with the lot number on the vial label if a certificate is missing.

98.84% (HPLC, current lot). Purity is measured by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and reported on the lot's Certificate of Analysis.

MOTS-C is supplied as lyophilized powder in a sealed vial in 2 sizes: 20mg, 40mg. In stock and dispatched in 1–2 business days. Quantity pricing applies automatically at 5+ and 10+ vials of the same size.

Store sealed at −20 °C, dry and protected from light.