What Is MOTS-c?
MOTS-c is a mitochondrial-derived peptide of 16 amino acids studied in preclinical metabolic research. It is not an FDA-approved drug.
The short answer
MOTS-c (Mitochondrial ORF of the 12S rRNA type-c) is unusual: it is encoded within mitochondrial DNA rather than the nuclear genome. In the research literature it is studied as a regulator of metabolic homeostasis, frequently associated with AMPK signaling and described as an exercise-mimetic candidate in animal models.
Composition and specifications
| Compound | MOTS-c |
|---|---|
| Class | Mitochondrial-derived peptide (16 aa) |
| Also known as | CAS 1627580-64-6 |
| Sequence / length | 16 amino acids |
| CAS number | 1627580-64-6 |
| Molecular weight | ~2174 g/mol |
| Purity (typical) | ≥99.0% |
| Appearance | White lyophilized powder; water-soluble |
Values above reflect the compound's published specification. As with any research material, the definitive confirmation of identity and purity for a given lot is the mass-spectrometry and HPLC data on its Certificate of Analysis.
How it is described mechanistically
MOTS-c is characterized in research as influencing cellular metabolism through AMPK-associated pathways and as translocating to the nucleus under metabolic stress to affect gene expression. These descriptions come from cell and animal models.
What has research examined?
Published MOTS-c work is preclinical. Areas investigated include:
- AMPK-associated metabolic signaling
- Insulin-sensitivity and glucose-metabolism research models
- Exercise-mimetic and physical-capacity research
- Mitochondrial-stress and aging research
These describe research directions, not established human effects.
How is it characterized and tested?
Two questions matter most about any peptide sample in a research context: is it the right molecule, and how pure is it. Those are answered by analytical testing — commonly mass spectrometry for identity and HPLC for purity — with both reported on a batch-specific Certificate of Analysis (COA). An independent, published COA lets a researcher confirm identity and purity before beginning work. See peptide handling and storage for how samples are kept stable once received.
Primary literature: browse peer-reviewed studies on MOTS-c at PubMed.
Common questions
What makes MOTS-c unusual among peptides?
It is a mitochondrial-derived peptide — encoded within mitochondrial DNA rather than the nuclear genome — which is why it is studied in the context of mitochondrial and metabolic biology.
Is MOTS-c approved for human use?
No. MOTS-c is not an FDA-approved drug. Research-grade material is for laboratory research use only. It is among the peptides under FDA advisory review in 2026.
What is MOTS-c studied for?
Primarily metabolic-homeostasis and AMPK-associated signaling in preclinical models, including exercise-mimetic research directions.