MOTS-c: Compound Reference for Researchers

A neutral reference sheet for MOTS-c, a peptide encoded in the mitochondrial genome: its structure, how it was discovered, what the published literature does and does not show, and how it is characterised in the laboratory.

At a glance

Property	Value
Names	MOTS-c (mitochondrial open reading frame of the 12S rRNA-c); a “mitochondrial-derived peptide”
Class	16-amino-acid peptide encoded within the mitochondrial genome (the MT-RNR1, 12S rRNA, gene)
Sequence	MRWQEMGYIFYPRKLR (Met-Arg-Trp-Gln-Glu-Met-Gly-Tyr-Ile-Phe-Tyr-Pro-Arg-Lys-Leu-Arg)
Molecular formula	C101H152N28O22S2
Molecular weight	≈ 2174.6 g/mol (average); monoisotopic mass ≈ 2173.11 Da
CAS number	1627580-64-6
Composition	Two methionines, one tryptophan, two tyrosines, one phenylalanine; three arginines and one lysine; no cysteine
Form supplied	Lyophilized powder
Regulatory status	Supplied for laboratory research only; not an approved drug product.

Sequence, formula and CAS number are the values listed by reference databases and chemical suppliers (see references). The formula calculated from the sequence matches the listed formula. Compare any mass with the laboratory’s own result for the lot you hold.

What it is

Most proteins and peptides are encoded in the cell nucleus. MOTS-c is unusual because it is encoded in the mitochondrial genome: its sequence is found in a short open reading frame inside the gene for the mitochondrial 12S ribosomal RNA. It was described in 2015 as a mitochondrial-derived peptide (reference 1), and a 2018 paper reported that it can move to the cell nucleus in response to metabolic stress (reference 2). The peptide used in laboratories is made by chemical synthesis.

What the published literature looks like

The literature on MOTS-c is young but growing quickly. Early reviews describe it as a mitochondrial-derived peptide connected with muscle and fat metabolism (reference 3). Later reviews survey its therapeutic potential and its relation to ageing (references 4 and 5), and the primary literature spans many cell and animal models, with reports linking MOTS-c to cellular energy signalling pathways such as AMPK.

A small number of human studies have looked at MOTS-c as something to measure in people; one multicentre cohort study, for example, examined it in relation to mortality and cardiovascular risk prediction in haemodialysis patients (reference 6). These are cited to show the breadth of the literature, not to endorse any conclusion in it.

How to read the evidence

• Mostly cell and animal work. Results from cultured cells and experimental models do not establish effects, safety or appropriate use in people.
• A fast-moving field. New findings appear frequently, and early results often change as more laboratories repeat them. Prefer findings that have been independently reproduced.
• Measuring versus giving. A study that measures the peptide that is naturally present in blood or tissue says nothing about what happens when the synthetic peptide is administered.
• Quality of the material matters. Experimental results depend on knowing that the peptide used was what the label said and was adequately pure, which is the purpose of the analytical documentation below.

Analytical notes

These points follow from the sequence and are useful when reading a certificate for this compound (see our guides to reading a COA and to HPLC and mass spectrometry).

• Detection wavelength. The peptide contains a tryptophan, two tyrosines and a phenylalanine, so it absorbs strongly at 280 nm as well as at 214–220 nm. Purity percentages measured at different wavelengths are not directly comparable, so always note the wavelength on the certificate you are reading.
• Mass check. With an average mass of about 2174.6 Da, positive-mode electrospray mass spectrometry would be expected to show multiply charged ions near m/z 1088.3 (2+), 725.9 (3+) and 544.7 (4+) using average masses (monoisotopic values are slightly lower, about 1087.56, 725.38 and 544.28).
• Oxidation. The sequence has two methionines and a tryptophan, all of which can oxidise. Each oxidation adds about 16 Da, so mass spectrometry will show oxidised species as peaks at +16 and +32. These are among the first impurities to look for in aged or poorly handled material.
• Chemistry. There is no cysteine, so no disulfide chemistry, and only one glutamine as a possible deamidation site. The peptide is basic (three arginines and a lysine) but also has a hydrophobic stretch (Ile, Phe, Tyr, Trp, Leu), so solubility depends on the solvent; use published solubility information.

Handling and storage

General laboratory guidance for lyophilized peptides applies: store cold, dry, sealed and protected from light, let the vial reach room temperature before opening, and avoid repeated freeze–thaw cycles for any solution. Because the sequence contains methionine and tryptophan, limiting exposure to air and light is especially sensible. Details are in our guide to research peptide storage and stability.

HLX Peptide documentation

• Product: MOTS-c (40 mg)
• Certificate: lot MC092026-02, tested September 21, 2026 by Krause Analytical. The batch record and the full PDF are on the product page, and every report is listed on our certificates of analysis page.
• Our process: Quality & Testing
• Related references: BPC-157 · Thymosin Beta-4 · GHK-Cu · Tesamorelin · NAD+ · SS-31
• Related guides: SS-31 · NAD+

References

1. Lee C, et al. The mitochondrial-derived peptide MOTS-c promotes metabolic homeostasis and reduces obesity and insulin resistance. Cell Metab. 2015;21(3):443–454. PMID 25738459.
2. Kim KH, et al. The Mitochondrial-Encoded Peptide MOTS-c Translocates to the Nucleus to Regulate Nuclear Gene Expression in Response to Metabolic Stress. Cell Metab. 2018;28(3):516–524. PMID 29983246.
3. Lee C, Kim KH, Cohen P. MOTS-c: A novel mitochondrial-derived peptide regulating muscle and fat metabolism. Free Radic Biol Med. 2016;100:182–187. PMID 27216708.
4. Zheng Y, Wei Z, Wang T. MOTS-c: A promising mitochondrial-derived peptide for therapeutic exploitation. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne). 2023;14:1120533. PMID 36761202.
5. Mohtashami Z, et al. MOTS-c, the Most Recent Mitochondrial Derived Peptide in Human Aging and Age-Related Diseases. Int J Mol Sci. 2022;23(19):11991. PMID 36233287.
6. Bolignano D, et al. The Mitochondrial-Derived Peptide MOTS-c May Refine Mortality and Cardiovascular Risk Prediction in Chronic Hemodialysis Patients: A Multicenter Cohort Study. Blood Purif. 2024;53(10):824–837. PMID 39111290.
7. Chemical identifiers (sequence, formula, molecular weight, CAS): MOTS-c (Wikipedia); LifeTein catalog entry. Masses calculated from the molecular formula.

Last reviewed October 5, 2026. All products are sold strictly for laboratory research use only. Not for human or veterinary use, and not a drug, food, or cosmetic.