MOTS-c

Description

What is MOTS-c?

MOTS‑c (“mitochondrial open reading frame of the 12S rRNA type‑c”) is a 16‑residue peptide encoded within the mitochondrial 12S rRNA gene and translated via a non‑canonical mitochondrial ORF. Discovered by Pinchas Cohen’s group in 2015, it is one of the first characterized mitochondrial‑derived peptides (MDPs) and has attracted interest as a metabolism‑regulating hormone‑like molecule that signals from mitochondrion to nucleus.

Mechanism of Action

• Activates AMP‑activated protein kinase (AMPK) in skeletal muscle
• Enhances glucose uptake and insulin sensitivity in rodent models
• Translocates to the nucleus under metabolic stress where it regulates antioxidant and metabolic gene expression (NRF2‑related pathways)
• Declines with age in circulating plasma; proposed biomarker of mitochondrial dysfunction

Compound Properties

• Molecular formula: C₈₄H₁₃₈N₂₂O₂₂S₂
• Molecular weight: ~1864.3 g/mol
• Sequence: MRWQEMGYIFYPRKLR (16 aa)
• Form: Lyophilized powder
• Source: Solid‑phase peptide synthesis; ≥98% purity by HPLC

Research‑Reference Dosing

Published research‑reference ranges in preclinical literature:

• Lee et al., Cell Metabolism (2015): foundational MOTS‑c characterization; IP injections of 0.5–15 mg/kg in mouse insulin‑resistance models.
• Kim et al., Cell Metabolism (2018): nuclear translocation and stress‑response gene regulation.
• Reynolds et al., Aging Cell (2021): MOTS‑c in aged skeletal muscle models.
• Human clinical data is very limited; no FDA‑approved human indication exists.

Research Findings

• Improved insulin sensitivity and reduced diet‑induced obesity in mouse models (Lee 2015)
• Extended healthspan markers in aged mice (Reynolds 2021)
• Circulating levels decline with age and correlate inversely with metabolic disease in epidemiologic cohorts
• No pivotal human clinical trials have been published as of early 2025

Known Side Effects Reported in Research/Trials

• Generally well tolerated in short‑term preclinical rodent studies
• Injection‑site reactions
• No human safety profile established in peer‑reviewed literature
• Long‑term effects on mitochondrial homeostasis are not characterized

Storage & Handling

• Lyophilized (unreconstituted) vials: store at −20°C long‑term; short‑term 2–8°C acceptable.
• After reconstitution with bacteriostatic or sterile water: store at 2–8°C; use within 14–28 days per standard peptide stability guidance.
• Protect from light, heat, and repeated freeze‑thaw cycles. Handle in a sterile laboratory environment.

Certificate of Analysis

A Certificate of Analysis (COA) confirming identity and purity by HPLC / MS is available upon request. Contact Lonestar Peptides for lot‑specific documentation.

Summaries reference peer‑reviewed preclinical and clinical literature available as of early 2025. Newer findings may not be reflected. Researchers should consult current literature and conduct their own due diligence. Lonestar Peptides makes no claim of therapeutic benefit.