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Mitochondrial peptide research · 5 articles

MOTS-c

MOTS-c (mitochondrial open reading frame of the 12S rRNA-c; 16-aa mitochondrial-derived peptide) · 5 min read

MOTS-c (mitochondrial open reading frame of the 12S rRNA-c) is a 16-amino-acid mitochondrial-derived peptide encoded within the mitochondrial 12S rRNA (MT-RNR1) region. It is offered as a lyophilized, HPLC-characterized reference material for in-vitro research into mitochondrial signaling and cellular energy-sensing pathways. This listing is for laboratory Research Use Only and is not for human or veterinary use.

Analytical identity

Supplied as a lyophilized powder at ≥98% (HPLC) purity. The peptide carries the canonical 16-residue sequence MRWQEMGYIFYPRKLR (Met-Arg-Trp-Gln-Glu-Met-Gly-Tyr-Ile-Phe-Tyr-Pro-Arg-Lys-Leu-Arg), molecular formula C₁₀₁H₁₅₂N₂₈O₂₂S₂, and a monoisotopic/average molecular weight near 2174.6 g/mol (PubChem CID 146675088). Identity and purity are characterized by HPLC and mass spectrometry for use as an analytical reference standard.

Literature mechanism themes

In the research literature, MOTS-c is described as a mitochondrial-derived peptide that engages the AMPK energy-sensing pathway, reported in cell and tissue models to act through the folate–AICAR–AMPK axis. It is also studied for retrograde mitochondrial-to-nuclear signaling, including nuclear translocation under metabolic stress and modulation of Nrf2-linked antioxidant-response gene expression. These mechanisms are summarized here only as published research themes describing in-vitro and model-system observations.

Research context

MOTS-c serves as a model compound in mitochondrial-derived-peptide (MDP) biology, where investigators examine retrograde signaling, energy-sensing-pathway regulation, and metabolic-homeostasis signaling in cultured cells and tissue preparations. The material is intended solely as a characterized reference standard for such in-vitro and analytical work.

Handling and intended use

For Research Use Only (RUO). Not for human or veterinary use, diagnostic, or therapeutic application. As a lyophilized peptide, it is typically stored desiccated and protected from light at the supplier-recommended temperature; consult the certificate of analysis for lot-specific handling parameters.

Documented in every box

Every MOTS-c order includes a sealed, lot-controlled vial, the completed lot documentation, and a handling & storage card. Product-specific handling follows the supplied documentation and institutional SOPs.

Evidence limits and research safety

Research findings can differ by model, assay, purity, formulation, and study design. Published cell, biochemical, and pre-clinical observations do not establish human or veterinary safety, efficacy, dosing, or suitability. Researchers should review the applicable SDS, institutional safety procedures, waste requirements, and lot-specific documentation before handling any reference material.

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Credible sources

Research context only. This article summarizes published in-vitro and pre-clinical research for scientific context. It is not a claim of efficacy or safety and does not constitute medical, usage, or dosing guidance. HELIX BioScience products are Research Use Only and not for human or veterinary use.

More on MOTS-c

Methods note

MOTS-c: controls for mitochondrial-peptide assays

MOTS-c: controls for mitochondrial-peptide assays explains how a laboratory team can frame MOTS-c as a characterized research reference for designing controls for an assay that uses a mitochondrial-derived peptide reference. The emphasis is on reproducible preparation, analytical controls, and careful interpretation—not on therapeutic, diagnostic, or in-vivo use.

7 min read
Methods note

MOTS-c: a practical sample-stability study

MOTS-c: a practical sample-stability study explains how a laboratory team can frame MOTS-c as a characterized research reference for testing whether a prepared sample remains analytically comparable across a planned handling window. The emphasis is on reproducible preparation, analytical controls, and careful interpretation—not on therapeutic, diagnostic, or in-vivo use.

7 min read
Methods note

MOTS-c: cell-state and assay notes

MOTS-c: cell-state and assay notes explains how a laboratory team can frame MOTS-c as a characterized research reference for recording cell-state variables that can change the interpretation of a mitochondrial-peptide assay. The emphasis is on reproducible preparation, analytical controls, and careful interpretation—not on therapeutic, diagnostic, or in-vivo use.

7 min read
Methods note

MOTS-c: freeze-thaw cycle control

MOTS-c: freeze-thaw cycle control explains how a laboratory team can frame MOTS-c as a characterized research reference for testing whether repeated freeze-thaw events change the analytical comparability of a prepared reference. The emphasis is on reproducible preparation, analytical controls, and careful interpretation—not on therapeutic, diagnostic, or in-vivo use.

7 min read