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MOTS-c

Mitochondrial Open Reading Frame of the 12S rRNA-c (16-AA Peptide)

PubChem Molecular SpecsValidated
CAS Registry:1627580-64-6
Chemical Formula:C101H152N28O22S2
Monoisotopic MW:2174.62 g/mol
PubChem CID:138896561
Primary Amino Acid Sequence (16 residues)
N-terminus → C-terminus
1Met
2Arg
3Trp
4Gln
5Glu
6Met
7Gly
8Tyr
9Ile
10Phe
11Tyr
12Pro
13Arg
14Lys
15Leu
16Arg

Pre-Clinical Overview

MOTS-c is a 16-amino acid mitochondrial-derived peptide encoded within the mitochondrial 12S rRNA locus. Investigated in metabolic biology laboratories for its regulation of the folate-methionine cycle, direct activation of AMPK, and restoration of metabolic plasticity.

Independent Laboratory Audit

Verified UK Suppliers for MOTS-c

5 Audited British & European Sources
SupplierAssay PurityReagent FormatDispatch LocationNotesAccess
PharmaGrade Store≥99.0% (HPLC)vialUnited Kingdom (Royal Mail 24)High-purity lyophilized 10mg reagent vials with verified mitochondrial peptide sequence.
Direct Peptides≥98.9% (HPLC)vialUK Hub & EuropeResearch grade lyophilized peptide vials with automated mass spectrometry confirmation.
Direct Sarms≥98.5% (HPLC)vialUnited Kingdom ExpressAnalytical reference standard vials tested for AMPK activation assays.
Peptide Works≥98.7% (HPLC)vialManchester UK HubNorthern UK laboratory dispatched lyophilized reagent vials with sequence COA.
PharmaLab Global≥99.2% (HPLC)vialLondon UK HubTriple-stage assayed vials and pre-calibrated laboratory multi-dose pen formats.
Biochemical Mechanisms of Action

Molecular Signaling Pathways

  • 1Translocates to the nucleus under metabolic stress to regulate nuclear gene expression via antioxidant response elements (ARE).
  • 2Directly activates adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) through inhibition of the folate cycle.
  • 3Enhances cellular glucose uptake in myotubes via GLUT4 translocation independent of classical insulin signaling.
  • 4Prevents high-fat diet-induced insulin resistance and mitigates cellular oxidative stress in mitochondrial assays.
Pre-Clinical Laboratory Handling

Laboratory Evaluation Guidelines

Hydrophobic and thermally sensitive peptide requiring precise cold-chain handling during reconstitution to avoid aggregation and precipitation.

Aseptic Dissolution & StorageUK Lab Standard
Recommended Diluent:Bacteriostatic 0.9% Benzyl Alcohol USP
Lyophilized Storage:-20°C desiccated (stable up to 24 months)
Reconstituted Storage:2°C to 8°C refrigerated; use within 14 days
Solution Stability:Hydrophobic sequence prone to fibrillation; do not vortex or shake vigorously
Academic Biochemical Monograph

Receptor Affinity, SPPS Synthesis & Pharmacokinetics

Standardized chemical parameters, solid-phase synthesis criteria, and quantitative receptor affinity benchmarks for MOTS-c.

Target ReceptorsBinding Kinetics
Primary Receptor Cascade
AMP-Activated Protein Kinase (AMPK) Signaling Pathway
Binding Affinity (Kd / Ki)
EC50 ≈ 10 nM (activation of AICAR-like cellular AMPK pathway)
Receptor Family
Mitochondrial-Derived Peptide (MDP) / Metabolic Hormone
Downstream Effectors
  • AMPK phosphorylation at Thr172
  • Inhibition of the folate-methionine cellular cycle
  • Glucose uptake stimulation via GLUT4 translocation
SPPS MethodologyISO Criteria
Synthesis Protocol
Fmoc Solid-Phase Peptide Synthesis (SPPS)
N-Terminal / C-Terminal Mod
Free amine (Met-) · Free acid (-Lys-OH)
Acid Cleavage Cocktail
TFA / TIS / H2O (95:2.5:2.5 vol/vol)
HPLC Retention Standard
RP-C18: 15.1 min (0.1% TFA in H2O/ACN)
PharmacokineticsIn Vitro / In Vivo
Elimination Half-Life
t1/2 ≈ 1.8 hours
Primary Degradation Pathway
Intracellular proteolysis and renal filtration
Bioavailability Profile
Lyophilized research standard
Renal Filtration Threshold
Glomerular clearance (MW: 2,174.60 Da)
Quantitative Pre-Clinical & Clinical Evidence Matrix

Documented Biochemical Endpoints & Statistical Significance

Study DesignCohort (n)Measured Biological EndpointStatistical SignificanceNCBI Citation
In Vitro Assayn = 28 skeletal myocyte culturesAMPK phosphorylation and folate cycle metabolite levelsp < 0.001 vs baselinePMID 25738459
Preclinical In Vivon = 36 contractile endurance modelsTreadmill running capacity and skeletal muscle insulin sensitivityp < 0.01PMID 33479210
Peer-Reviewed Academic Citations

Indexed Scientific Literature

The mitochondrial-derived peptide MOTS-c promotes metabolic homeostasis and reduces diet-induced obesity
Cell Metabolism (2015) · Lee C, Zeng J, Drew BG, et al.
Key Finding: Discovered that MOTS-c targets skeletal muscle to stimulate AMPK and overcome insulin resistance.
BIOCHEMICAL & REGULATORY Q&A

Curated Scientific Q&A for MOTS-c

Authoritative pre-clinical, analytical, and statutory handling guidelines for laboratory researchers.

5 Curated Questions

MOTS-c (Mitochondrial Open Reading Frame of the 12S rRNA-c (16-AA Peptide)) is indexed in the CAS Registry under #1627580-64-6. Its empirical molecular formula is C101H152N28O22S2 with a monoisotopic molecular weight of 2174.62 g/mol. It is cataloged under the Cellular Longevity & Mitochondrial Axis research classification.

Citation Benchmark: PubChem CID 138896561; British Pharmacopoeia Appendix III
Biological Pathway Correlates

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Epithalon (Epitalon) is a synthetic tetrapeptide modeled on the endogenous pineal extract epithalamin. Studied extensively in biogerontology laboratories for its ability to overcome the Hayflick limit via telomerase catalytic subunit (hTERT) transcription and chromatin remodeling.

Verified UK Sourcing Partners:
PharmaGrade Store (≥99.4% (HPLC))Direct Peptides (≥99.2% (HPLC))Direct Sarms (≥98.8% (HPLC))Peptide Works (≥99.1% (HPLC))PharmaLab Global (≥99.5% (HPLC))
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