MOTS-c (Mitochondrial Open Reading Frame of the 12S rRNA-c) is a 16-amino-acid peptide encoded within the mitochondrial genome — a discovery that fundamentally reframed thinking about mitochondria as purely energy-producing organelles. Since its identification, MOTS-c has been studied as a mitochondrial-derived peptide (MDP) that appears to act as a systemic signaling molecule, influencing processes beyond the mitochondria itself.

Research has investigated MOTS-c's role in cellular energy regulation, particularly its apparent activation of AMPK — a master regulator of cellular energy homeostasis. Studies have explored how MOTS-c influences glucose metabolism, fatty acid oxidation pathways, and mitochondrial dynamics in pre-clinical models. Its ability to translocate to the nucleus under stress conditions and influence gene transcription has made it a subject of interest in mitochondrial biology and aging research.

MOTS-c research has also examined its behavior under conditions of metabolic stress, exercise physiology models, and cellular senescence, where mitochondrial signaling plays a documented role. It represents a broader research movement toward understanding how mitochondrial-derived peptides communicate with the rest of the cell and organism.

myPEPT supplies MOTS-c at ≥99% verified purity with a Certificate of Analysis from independent lab testing. Lyophilized and shipped across the EU in research-grade packaging.

What researchers should know: MOTS-c is a research peptide supplied strictly for laboratory use. It is not approved for human use and is not a therapeutic compound. Always handle in accordance with your institution's safety and research protocols.