Guide
MOTS-C: A Research Peptide Overview
MOTS-C is a mitochondrial-derived peptide — a short peptide encoded within mitochondrial DNA rather than the nuclear genome. This overview covers what it is, the signaling pathways studied in vitro, how it is handled as a reference material, and why batch-level purity matters. It is written for laboratory research context only and makes no human-use claims.
What MOTS-C is
MOTS-C is a 16-amino-acid peptide encoded within the 12S rRNA region of mitochondrial DNA, which places it in a small family known as mitochondrial-derived peptides (MDPs). It carries CAS number 1627580-64-6, the molecular formula C101H152N28O22S2, and a molecular weight of 2174.60 g/mol.
It is supplied in lyophilized form as a reference material and characterised by HPLC for purity and mass spectrometry for identity.
Why it is studied
MOTS-C is used in laboratory research on mitochondrial-to-nuclear signaling — the question of how a peptide encoded in mitochondrial DNA relates to activity in the nucleus.
It also appears in cell-culture models of AMPK-pathway activity, in glucose-uptake and cellular energy-homeostasis assays, and in characterisation work on mitochondrial-derived peptides as a class. No medical, therapeutic, or diagnostic claims are made.
Handling and storage
Deep-freeze storage at -20°C (-4°F) is recommended, and the material is kept desiccated. Original lot markings are preserved so the batch can be re-verified later.
This overview does not cover preparation or use of any kind. That falls outside laboratory research reference use, and we do not provide that guidance.
Why purity and identity matter
MOTS-C contains sulfur-bearing residues, and their oxidation state is one of the variables an analytical report is expected to pin down. A documented HPLC purity figure and a mass-spectrometry identity confirmation together describe both how clean the sample is and whether it is the right molecule.
This is why a per-batch Certificate of Analysis — one tied to the exact lot you receive — is more useful than a generic brand-level document.
How to verify a MOTS-C batch
Before relying on any batch, confirm three things: purity (an HPLC percentage), identity (a mass-spectrometry confirmation), and a traceable lot number with a test date. If the supplier lets you look up that batch’s report, you can match the documentation to the vial in hand.
See our guide on how to read a peptide COA for a field-by-field walkthrough.