Quick answer: MOTS-C is a short peptide of 16 amino acids that is encoded in mitochondrial DNA rather than in the DNA of the cell nucleus. Published laboratory research has examined it as a signal between mitochondria and the rest of the cell, mostly in cell studies and preclinical work. Below we answer the questions customers ask most about MOTS-C: what it is, what has been studied, how it differs from SS-31, how we verify it and how it is stored.
What is MOTS-C, and why is its origin unusual?
Mitochondria are the structures inside cells that produce most of the cell's usable energy. They carry a small genome of their own. For a long time, researchers thought this genome only made a handful of proteins needed for energy production.
MOTS-C changed that picture. It was first described in 2015 as a peptide encoded inside a mitochondrial gene called 12S rRNA. The name stands for mitochondrial open reading frame of the 12S rRNA type-c, and you will see it written as MOTS-c, MOTSc or MOTS-C. It is a member of a small group of mitochondrial-derived peptides.
What has published research studied MOTS-C for?
Researchers have mainly looked at MOTS-C in connection with cellular energy balance. Here is what the published work reports, with the type of evidence:
- Energy-sensing pathway (cell studies and preclinical research): Early work reported that MOTS-C affects the folate cycle, a chain of reactions that supplies building blocks for cells. This was linked to a build-up of a molecule that activates AMPK, an enzyme that acts as the cell's energy sensor.
- Movement to the nucleus (cell studies): Later work reported that under metabolic stress the peptide can move into the nucleus. Researchers proposed it influences which genes are switched on.
- Glucose and insulin signaling (preclinical research): Several laboratory models have examined MOTS-C alongside glucose handling and insulin-related pathways.
The evidence is early. A fairly small number of research groups produced much of it, and mechanisms are still being worked out. These are findings from laboratory models, not conclusions about any effect for a reader.
How is MOTS-C different from SS-31?
Both are described as mitochondria-related peptides, which is why buyers often confuse them. They are different molecules studied for different reasons. We cover SS-31 separately in our SS-31 article.
| Feature | MOTS-C | SS-31 |
|---|---|---|
| Origin | Encoded in mitochondrial DNA | Synthetic design |
| Length | 16 amino acids | 4 amino acids |
| Research focus | Signaling between mitochondria and nucleus, metabolic pathways | Mitochondrial membrane and oxidative stress research |
| Proposed target | AMPK-linked energy pathway, gene regulation | Inner mitochondrial membrane |
In short, MOTS-C is studied as a messenger that mitochondria produce. SS-31 is studied as a molecule that accumulates at the mitochondrial membrane.
What is in the BioPure MOTS-C 10mg vial?
Our MOTS-C 10mg vial contains lyophilized (freeze-dried) peptide powder, research grade, with 10mg of peptide per vial. The peptide is made by chemical synthesis. It is not extracted from mitochondria. It is synthesized at a WHO/GMP and ISO 9001 certified laboratory in California. For the freeze-drying process, see our lyophilization guide.
How is MOTS-C tested?
The Certificate of Analysis for MOTS-C should show three things: identity by mass spectrometry, purity by HPLC and content per vial. If you need a refresher, our line-by-line COA guide covers the basics.
Two points are specific to this sequence:
- It contains two methionine residues. Methionine oxidizes easily, and each oxidized site adds a small, measurable mass. Mass spectrometry can reveal this, while a purity percentage alone may not.
- Synthesis errors can look similar. Peptides with a missing or altered amino acid can sit close to the main HPLC peak. Matching the measured mass to the expected mass for the full 16-amino-acid sequence is the check that separates them.
How should MOTS-C be stored?
The product page lists refrigerated storage. Keeping the lyophilized powder cold, dry and sealed is the standard approach for protecting peptides that contain oxidation-prone residues such as methionine.
Frequently asked questions
Is MOTS-c the same as MOTS-C?
Yes. The lowercase "c" is the original scientific spelling, and suppliers often capitalize it. Both refer to the same 16-amino-acid peptide.
Is the peptide in the vial taken from mitochondria?
No. The sequence originates in mitochondrial DNA, but the vial contains peptide made by chemical synthesis.
Are there other peptides encoded in mitochondrial DNA?
Yes. Researchers have described a few other small mitochondrial-derived peptides. MOTS-C is one of the best known.
Why is the 10mg vial the size listed?
Vial sizes reflect how much peptide a laboratory wants per container. Our article on why peptides come in different vial sizes explains the reasoning.
Is MOTS-C sold for personal use?
No. It is supplied for laboratory research use only, and it is not intended for human or animal use. See what the research-use-only label means.
Every lot we sell has a Certificate of Analysis you can read before you order. Questions before you buy? Our team is in Chandler, Arizona: (888) 745-1505 or our contact page.
View MOTS-C | 10mgAll products sold by BioPure Peptides are intended strictly for in-vitro laboratory and research use only. They are not for human or animal consumption. These statements have not been evaluated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, and these products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.