MOTS-C: Complete Research Guide & Chemical Profile

MOTS-C (Mitochondrial ORF of the 12S rRNA Type-C) is a unique 16-amino acid mitochondrial-derived peptide that represents a groundbreaking discovery in cellular biology. Unlike traditional nuclear-encoded peptides, MOTS-C is encoded within the mitochondrial 12S rRNA gene, making it part of an emerging class of bioactive compounds known as mitochondrial-derived peptides (MDPs).

This research peptide has a molecular weight of 2174.69 Da and consists of the amino acid sequence MRWQEMGYIFYPRKLR. The peptide's unique mitochondrial origin distinguishes it from conventional peptides and has sparked significant interest in the scientific community for its potential applications in metabolic research and exercise biology studies.

MOTS-C was first identified through computational analysis of mitochondrial genomes and subsequent experimental validation. Research indicates that this peptide may play a crucial role in cellular energy metabolism and metabolic homeostasis, making it a valuable compound for laboratory investigations into metabolic processes.

The discovery and characterization of MOTS-C began with pioneering research published in Cell Metabolism in 2015, where scientists first identified this mitochondrial-derived peptide and demonstrated its metabolic regulatory properties in laboratory models. This foundational study revealed that MOTS-C could influence glucose metabolism and insulin sensitivity in experimental settings.

Subsequent research has expanded our understanding of MOTS-C's biological activities. Laboratory studies have investigated its effects on skeletal muscle metabolism, with findings suggesting that the peptide may enhance glucose uptake and utilization in muscle tissue cultures. These studies have utilized various in vitro and in vivo experimental models to characterize the peptide's metabolic effects.

Exercise biology research has also examined MOTS-C, with studies indicating potential connections between the peptide and physical performance parameters in laboratory settings. Research suggests that MOTS-C levels may be influenced by exercise interventions, making it a compound of interest for sports science research applications.

Age-related research has explored MOTS-C expression patterns across different life stages, with studies indicating that peptide levels may vary with aging processes. This research has contributed to the growing field of mitochondrial biology and its relationship to metabolic health in laboratory models.

MOTS-C appears to exert its biological effects primarily through the activation of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), a key cellular energy sensor and metabolic regulator. Research suggests that the peptide can activate AMPK signaling pathways, which subsequently influence glucose and lipid metabolism in experimental models.

Laboratory studies indicate that MOTS-C may enhance glucose uptake in skeletal muscle cells through AMPK-dependent mechanisms. This activation appears to promote glucose transporter translocation and increased glucose utilization, making it relevant for metabolic research applications.

The peptide's mitochondrial origin suggests it may serve as a signaling molecule in mitochondrial-nuclear communication pathways. Research indicates that MOTS-C could function as a retrograde signaling factor, allowing mitochondria to communicate metabolic status to the nuclear genome and influence cellular responses accordingly.

Studies have also investigated MOTS-C's potential effects on mitochondrial biogenesis and function. Laboratory findings suggest the peptide may influence mitochondrial respiratory capacity and oxidative metabolism, though the precise molecular mechanisms remain an active area of research investigation.

MOTS-C exhibits specific chemical characteristics that are important for research applications and laboratory handling. The peptide's molecular structure consists of 16 amino acids with a calculated molecular weight of 2174.69 Da, making it a relatively small bioactive peptide suitable for various experimental protocols.

Research-grade MOTS-C is typically manufactured to achieve purity levels of ≥98% as determined by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis. This high purity standard ensures consistency and reliability in laboratory research applications, minimizing potential confounding variables from impurities.

Quality control testing for MOTS-C includes mass spectrometry verification to confirm molecular identity and amino acid composition analysis to verify sequence accuracy. These analytical methods provide researchers with confidence in the peptide's chemical integrity for experimental use.

MOTS-C demonstrates optimal stability when stored as a lyophilized powder at -20°C or below, protected from light and moisture. Under these conditions, the peptide typically maintains its chemical integrity for extended periods, making it suitable for long-term research projects.

Once reconstituted in appropriate buffer solutions, MOTS-C solutions should be stored at 4°C for short-term use or -20°C for longer storage periods. Research protocols typically recommend using reconstituted peptide solutions within specific timeframes to ensure optimal biological activity in experimental applications.

The peptide shows reasonable stability across physiological pH ranges, making it compatible with various buffer systems commonly used in cell culture and biochemical assays. However, researchers should consider pH optimization for specific experimental protocols.

Researchers seeking high-quality MOTS-C for laboratory investigations can find verified vendors and third-party tested batches on ChemVerify's comprehensive platform. The ChemVerify database provides detailed information about MOTS-C suppliers, including purity certificates, analytical data, and vendor verification status.

The platform's verification system ensures that listed MOTS-C suppliers meet rigorous quality standards for research peptides. Users can access batch-specific certificates of analysis, compare pricing from multiple verified vendors, and read researcher reviews to make informed sourcing decisions for their laboratory needs.

Visit ChemVerify at /product/mots-c to explore verified MOTS-C suppliers, compare product specifications, and access the latest batch testing results. The platform's comprehensive database helps researchers identify reliable sources for this specialized mitochondrial-derived peptide.

What makes MOTS-C unique compared to other research peptides?

MOTS-C's uniqueness lies in its mitochondrial origin, being encoded within the 12S rRNA gene rather than nuclear DNA. This makes it part of the emerging class of mitochondrial-derived peptides, offering researchers a unique tool for studying mitochondrial-nuclear communication and metabolic signaling pathways.

What research applications is MOTS-C commonly used for?

MOTS-C is primarily used in metabolic research, exercise biology studies, and aging research applications. Laboratory investigations focus on its effects on glucose metabolism, AMPK signaling pathways, skeletal muscle function, and mitochondrial biology in various experimental models.

How should MOTS-C be prepared for cell culture experiments?

For cell culture applications, MOTS-C should be reconstituted in sterile, endotoxin-free water or appropriate buffer solutions. Researchers typically prepare stock solutions at higher concentrations and dilute to working concentrations in cell culture media according to their specific experimental protocols.

What analytical methods are used to verify MOTS-C quality?

MOTS-C quality is typically verified through HPLC analysis for purity determination, mass spectrometry for molecular weight confirmation, and amino acid analysis for sequence verification. These analytical methods ensure the peptide meets research-grade standards for laboratory use.

What precautions should be taken when handling MOTS-C in the laboratory?

Standard peptide handling protocols apply to MOTS-C, including use of appropriate personal protective equipment, sterile techniques for reconstitution, and proper storage conditions. Researchers should follow institutional biosafety guidelines and maintain detailed records of peptide handling and storage.

How does MOTS-C's half-life affect experimental design?

MOTS-C has a relatively short half-life of approximately several hours in biological systems, which researchers must consider when designing experimental protocols. This characteristic may require multiple treatments or specific timing considerations to maintain effective concentrations during laboratory studies.

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