§ Research summary · Mitochondrial

MOTS-c 40 mg

Also known as · Mitochondrial ORF-12S peptide

Mitochondrial·1 min read·reviewed 2026-05-07

MOTS-c is a 16-residue peptide encoded in the mitochondrial 12S rRNA region. Described by the Cohen lab in 2015 — studied in metabolic and exercise biology.

Chemistry quick-facts

Formula
C79H133N23O24S3
MW
1888.3 Da
Length
16 aa
Status
Research peptide. No clinical trials. First described in 2015.
Purity (HPLC)
≥ 99.0%

Mechanism of action

Proposed: AMPK activation, folate-cycle regulation, nuclear translocation under metabolic stress, modulation of insulin sensitivity in skeletal muscle.

Research context

MOTS-c (mitochondrial open reading frame of the 12S rRNA-c) is one of the best-characterised mitochondrial-derived peptides. First described by the Cohen laboratory at USC in 2015 (Cell Metabolism).

Studied in metabolic regulation, insulin sensitivity, exercise physiology, and age-related decline — predominantly in preclinical models and observational human cohort studies.

Published studies

A non-exhaustive list of peer-reviewed studies referenced when curating this entry. Click through to the primary source for the full text.

  1. Lee C, Zeng J, Drew BG, et al. (2015). The mitochondrial-derived peptide MOTS-c promotes metabolic homeostasis. Cell Metabolism.
  2. Reynolds JC, Lai RW, Woodhead JST, et al. (2021). MOTS-c as an exercise-induced regulator of age-dependent physical decline. Nature Communications.

Reconstitution

Solvent
Bacteriostatic water for injection (0.9% benzyl alcohol) — included with kit
Typical volume
1 – 2 mL
  • · Inject diluent slowly down the side of the vial onto the cake.
  • · Swirl gently — do not shake.
  • · Solution should be clear and colourless. Discard if not.

Storage

Lyophilised
−20 °C, desiccated, protected from light. Stable at 15–25 °C for up to 30 days in transit.
Reconstituted
2–8 °C, original vial, consumed within 4 weeks.
Shelf life — sealed
24 months from date of manufacture when stored lyophilised at −20 °C.

FAQ

Why methionine oxidation caution?+

MOTS-c contains two methionines susceptible to oxidation to methionine sulfoxide under warm, humid, or oxidising conditions. Correct cold-dry storage maintains integrity.

Research-use disclaimer

This page summarises the research literature on MOTS-c 40 mg for in vitro laboratory investigation only. It is not medical advice, not a treatment recommendation, and not a substitute for a qualified physician. Material is sold for analytical chemistry and cell-culture research, not for human or veterinary administration.

View MOTS-c 40 mg in the catalogue →
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