What Is MOTS-c? The Mitochondrial-Derived Peptide Explained
MOTS-c is a 16-amino-acid peptide coded by mitochondrial DNA, not the cell nucleus. It was only described in 2015 and has become one of the most studied mitochondrial peptides.
MOTS-c in brief
MOTS-c (mitochondrial open reading frame of the 12S rRNA type-c) is a 16-amino-acid peptide. What makes it unusual is where it comes from: it is coded inside mitochondrial DNA, in the gene for the 12S ribosomal RNA, rather than in the cell nucleus like almost every other peptide. It is also written MOTS c or MOTSc.
- Sequence
- MRWQEMGYIFYPRKLR
- Length
- 16 amino acids
- Encoded in
- Mitochondrial 12S rRNA gene
- Described
- 2015, University of Southern California
- Our vials
- 10mg and 40mg
Mitochondrial-derived peptides
MOTS-c belongs to a small family of peptides coded by mitochondrial DNA. The first, humanin, was described in 2001. Their discovery showed that mitochondria send signals to the rest of the cell, not just energy.
- Humanin24
- MOTS-c16
What researchers study
| Area | What studies looked at |
|---|---|
| AMPK signalling | MOTS-c activating the AMPK energy-sensing pathway in cells |
| Metabolism in mice | Insulin sensitivity in diet models |
| Exercise | Levels rising with exercise and effects on physical capacity in mice |
| Nuclear signalling | MOTS-c moving into the nucleus under metabolic stress |
Nearly all of this is in cells and mice. Human data so far is mostly measurement of natural MOTS-c levels.
Timeline
- 2001Humanin, the first mitochondrial-derived peptide, is described.
- 2015MOTS-c is described in Cell Metabolism by researchers at USC.
- 2018Studies show MOTS-c can move into the cell nucleus under stress.
- 2021Research links MOTS-c to exercise responses in mice.
MOTS-c vs SS-31
Both are "mitochondrial peptides" but in opposite ways: MOTS-c is made by mitochondria, while SS-31 is a synthetic peptide designed to travel to mitochondria. See the full comparison.
We stock MOTS-c in 10mg and 40mg vials.
Further reading
For laboratory research use only. Not for human consumption. Not medical or legal advice.
