MOTS-c
Anti-Aging & Longevity

MOTS-c

Price range: $122.00 through $384.00

Per vial
$12.20
10 vials per pack
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$36.60
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MOTS-c - Mitochondrial-Derived AMPK-Activating Research Peptide

MOTS-c is a 16-amino-acid peptide encoded within the 12S rRNA region of the mitochondrial genome - one of the first “mitochondrial-derived peptides” (MDPs) identified and characterized (Lee et al., University of Southern California, 2015). Unlike almost every other peptide in the research toolkit, MOTS-c is transcribed and translated from mitochondrial DNA rather than nuclear DNA. It is the reference mitochondrial-derived AMPK-activating peptide - its research utility comes from mitochondria to the rest of the cell, regulating metabolic homeostasis, glucose uptake, and cellular stress response.

Why the Mitochondrial Origin Matters

MOTS-c sits outside the classic “growth factor / receptor agonist” framework that most research peptides fall into. It is a mitokine - a peptide produced by mitochondria that signals to the rest of the cell. Its primary research axis is AMPK (AMP-activated protein kinase) activation, the master sensor of cellular energy status. AMPK is the same pathway metformin and exercise both activate, which is why MOTS-c is the reference peptide in “exercise-mimetic” and metabolic-homeostasis research.

Pathway What it does in plain terms
AMPK Activated - master cellular energy sensor; same pathway metformin and exercise engage
Glucose uptake Increased - insulin-independent skeletal muscle glucose transport
Fatty acid oxidation Upregulated via AMPK - shift toward oxidative metabolism
Folate / one-carbon cycle Modulated - MOTS-c interacts with methionine / folate metabolism
Metabolic stress response MOTS-c translocates to the nucleus under stress; regulates gene expression

MOTS-c vs Other Mitochondrial-Targeting Peptides

The research toolkit has a small group of peptides studied for mitochondrial-axis endpoints. They act through different mechanisms.

Compound Mitochondrial mechanism
MOTS-c Mitochondrial-encoded peptide - activates AMPK, modulates metabolic homeostasis
SS-31 (elamipretide) Inner membrane cardiolipin binder - stabilizes respiratory chain, reduces ROS
SLU-PP-332 ERRα agonist - transcriptionally upregulates mitochondrial biogenesis

Research Applications

MOTS-c is used in studies examining:

  • AMPK activation and insulin-independent glucose uptake endpoints
  • Skeletal muscle metabolic homeostasis and fatty acid oxidation
  • Exercise-mimetic research (AMPK axis overlap with physical training)
  • Age-related metabolic decline and mitochondrial function models
  • Obesity, insulin sensitivity, and type 2 diabetes research
  • Mitochondrial-nuclear retrograde signaling and mitokine biology

Specifications
Format Lyophilized powder
Purity ≥99%
Aliases MOTS-c, Mitochondrial Open Reading Frame of 12S rRNA-c, MDP-1
Available sizes 10mg · 40mg
Storage 2-8°C unopened; stable 12+ months
Use Research purposes only - not for human use

Storage & Handling

Unopened vials are kept at 2-8°C under standard cold-chain conditions and remain stable for 12+ months. Reconstitution parameters, solvent compatibility, and post-reconstitution stability for MOTS-c are documented in the published peer-reviewed literature and standard peptide-chemistry references.

Reference Literature

Published clinical and preclinical MOTS-c literature is available through PubMed, Google Scholar, and other peer-reviewed databases. WWP does not provide protocol design, dosing guidance, or administration parameters. Those decisions rest with the researcher and any applicable institutional review board.

Common Questions About MOTS-c Research

What is MOTS-c used for in research?

It is studied as the reference mitochondrial-derived AMPK-activating peptide. Published work covers insulin-independent glucose uptake, skeletal muscle metabolic homeostasis, exercise-mimetic endpoints, age-related metabolic decline, and mitochondrial-nuclear retrograde signaling.

What makes MOTS-c different from other research peptides?

MOTS-c is encoded within the mitochondrial genome, not the nuclear genome. Almost all other research peptides are nuclear-encoded and produced in the cytoplasm. MOTS-c’s transcription and translation start inside the mitochondrion, which is what makes it the reference “mitochondrial-derived peptide” (MDP) in mitokine biology research.

How does MOTS-c compare to SS-31?

Both are studied for mitochondrial endpoints but act through different mechanisms. MOTS-c is a mitochondrial-encoded peptide that activates AMPK and modulates cellular energy metabolism. SS-31 (elamipretide) is a nuclear-encoded synthetic peptide that binds cardiolipin in the inner mitochondrial membrane and stabilizes the electron transport chain. MOTS-c is signaling-focused; SS-31 is structurally protective.

Is MOTS-c FDA approved?

No. MOTS-c is not an FDA-approved drug product. It is a research peptide in active investigation for metabolic and age-related conditions. Every vial WWP ships is labeled and sold strictly for laboratory and research use only.

How is MOTS-c stored?

Unopened vials are stored at 2-8°C and stay stable for 12+ months. Once reconstituted with bacteriostatic water, the solution is kept at 2-8°C and used within 28-30 days.

Purity Guarantee

Every batch is ≥99% purity. Send us a COA from any independent test and we’ll issue store credit regardless of what it shows.

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