MOTS-c

MOTS-c (Mitochondrial Open Reading Frame of the 12S rRNA-c) is a 16 amino acid peptide encoded within an alternative open reading frame of the 12S ribosomal RNA gene (MT-RNR1) in the mitochondrial genome. Identified by Lee et al. in Cell Metabolism (2015), it is the founding member of a class of bioactive molecules called mitochondria-derived peptides (MDPs) — challenging the long-held assumption that the mitochondrial genome encodes only respiratory chain proteins, tRNAs, and rRNAs.

Molecular formula: C101H152N28O31S2 | Molecular weight: 2174.5 g/mol | CAS: 1627580-64-6 | Sequence: MRWQEMGYIFYPRKLR | Amino acids: 16 | Gene: MT-RNR1 (mitochondrial) | Purity: greater than or equal to 98% as verified by HPLC | Form: Lyophilised powder | Appearance: White to off-white lyophilised powder | Storage: -20°C desiccated

MOTS-c activates AMPK through inhibition of folate-dependent one-carbon metabolism enzymes, leading to AICAR accumulation — a natural AMPK activator. This retrograde mitochondria-to-nucleus signalling pathway links mitochondrial functional state to nuclear gene regulation via AICAR-AMPK. Under metabolic stress (glucose deprivation, oxidative stress, UV radiation), MOTS-c translocates to the nucleus where it modulates stress-responsive gene expression through a separate, non-AMPK mechanism.

Circulating MOTS-c concentrations decline with age in both animal models and human studies, paralleling NAD+ decline. Reynolds et al. (Nature Communications, 2021) reported MOTS-c as an exercise-induced mitokine in skeletal muscle. Research applications include AMPK pathway studies, mitochondrial communication research, metabolic regulation models, and cellular ageing biology alongside NAD+, SLU-PP-332, and 5-Amino-1MQ.

Supplied as a lyophilised powder. Reconstitute with bacteriostatic water. Store at -20°C protected from light and moisture. For laboratory and analytical research purposes only. Not for human or veterinary use.