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MOTS-c: the mitochondrial DNA-encoded peptide, a research guide

Almost all of our proteins are encoded by nuclear DNA. MOTS-c is an exception: it is encoded in the small mitochondrial genome. Its discovery in 2015 opened up a field of research on how mitochondria "communicate" with the rest of the cell. Here's what it is, what studies show, and how to choose between 10 and 40 mg.

MOTS-c 10 mg – €49.90MOTS-c 40 mg – €99.90

The essentials

In shortMOTS-c is a 16-amino-acid peptide encoded by mitochondrial DNA, described in 2015. In mice, it acts on glucose and fat metabolism via the AMPK pathway, and its level varies with exercise and age. There are no medications based on MOTS-c; it is a research peptide.

A peptide originating from the mitochondria

Its name sums up its origin:Mitochondrial Open reading frame of the Twelve S rRNA type-cIts sequence is hidden in the 12S ribosomal RNA gene of mitochondrial DNA. MOTS-c belongs to the family ofmitochondria-derived peptides, like humanin.

CharacteristicValue
CharacteristicSequenceValueMet-Arg-Trp-Gln-Glu-Met-Gly-Tyr-Ile-Phe-Tyr-Pro-Arg-Lys-Leu-Arg (MRWQEMGYIFYPRKLR)
CharacteristicSizeValue16 amino acids
CharacteristicCAS NO.Value1627580-64-6
CharacteristicRaw formulaValueC101H152N28O22S2
CharacteristicMolar massValue2,174.6 g/mol

What the studies say

  • The discovery (Lee et al.,Cell Metabolism, 2015)In mice, MOTS-c activates the AMPK pathway, the cell's "energy sensor", and has limited weight gain and insulin resistance under a high-fat diet.
  • The core (Kim et al.,Cell Metabolism, 2018)In situations of metabolic stress, MOTS-c migrates to the nucleus and modifies gene expression there. This is an example of a signal sent by the mitochondria to the nucleus.
  • The exercise (Reynolds et al.,Nature Communications, 2021): its level increases during exercise in humans, and its administration has improved the physical performance of aged mice.

These results come primarily from animal studies. They make MOTS-c a major topic in research on metabolism and aging, although it has no medical application to date.

Status

No MOTS-c-based medication is authorized, in France or elsewhere. It is sold as a research peptide, in lyophilized powder form.

10 mg or 40 mg?

FormatPricePrice per mgReport published
FormatMOTS-c 10 mgPrice49,90 €Price per mg4,99 €Report publishedNo
FormatMOTS-c 40 mgPrice99,90 €Price per mg2,50 €Report published#223450

The 40 mg dose is half the price per milligram. However, once reconstituted, a vial can only be kept for a maximum of 28 days in the refrigerator, regardless of its size: the correct format is the one that the experiment will use within that timeframe.

Our Janoshik analysis

ReportProductBatchAnalysisQuantity measuredHPLC PurityKey
Report#223450ProductMOTS-c 40 mgBatchMP-777MS401Analysis25/08/2026Quantity measured44.07 mgHPLC Purity99,55 %KeyQ4LGP1B2VM8M

The key can be verified at janoshik.com/verify. The report for the 10 mg product has not yet been published; therefore, its product page does not display any purity figures.

Conservation

StateOùApproximate duration
StateLyophilized powder, sealed bottleOùRefrigerator (2 to 8 °C) or freezer (−20 °C), away from lightApproximate durationSeveral months
StateLyophilized powder, transportOùRoom temperatureApproximate durationA few days
StateReconstituted with bacteriostatic waterOùRefrigerator (2 to 8 °C), never in the freezerApproximate durationUp to 28 days

Reconstruction:bacteriostatic waterand detailed method inreconstitute a lyophilized peptideFor another player in cellular metabolism, see theNAD+ guide.

MOTS-c, stock in FranceFreeze-dried powder in a sealed bottle. Shipping within 24 to 48 hours, delivery €10, free for orders over €160.

MOTS-c 10 mg – €49.90MOTS-c 40 mg – €99.90

Frequently Asked Questions

What is MOTS-c?

A 16-amino-acid peptide encoded by mitochondrial DNA, not nuclear DNA. Described in 2015, it is being studied for its role in glucose and fat metabolism.

How does MOTS-c work?

In mice, it activates the AMPK pathway, the cell's energy sensor. Under metabolic stress, it can also migrate into the nucleus and alter gene expression.

Is MOTS-c related to the exercise?

Yes: a 2021 study (Nature Communications) showed that its level increases during exercise in humans, and that its administration improved the performance of aged mice.

Should I choose MOTS-c 10 mg or 40 mg?

The 40 mg costs €2.50 per mg compared to €4.99 for the 10 mg, but a reconstituted vial can be kept for a maximum of 28 days: choose the format that the experiment will use within this timeframe.

Is the PeptiLine MOTS-c analyzed?

Yes. Batch MP-777MS401 of the 40 mg product was measured by Janoshik at 44.07 mg and 99.55% purity (report #223450). The report for the 10 mg product has not yet been published.

The Longevity & Energy dossier

Lee C. et al., Cell Metabolism, 2015; Kim K. H. et al., Cell Metabolism, 2018; Reynolds J. C. et al., Nature Communications, 2021; PubChem CID 146675088; Janoshik report #223450. PeptiLine products are intended for scientific laboratory research use only. This page does not provide medical advice, protocols, or dosage information.

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