What is MOTS-c?
MOTS-c is one of the few peptides encoded not in the cell nucleus but in the DNA of the mitochondria. Since its discovery in 2015 it has become a widely studied molecule in metabolic research. Here you can read what MOTS-c is, how it was discovered and how to work with it in the lab.
MOTS-c at a glance
MOTS-c stands for Mitochondrial Open reading frame of the Twelve S rRNA type-c. It is a 16-amino-acid peptide whose code lies in the 12S rRNA gene of mitochondrial DNA. Peptides of this origin are called mitochondrial-derived peptides (MDPs).
- Full name: Mitochondrial ORF of the 12S rRNA type-c
- Type: mitochondrial-derived peptide, 16 amino acids
- Sequence: Met-Arg-Trp-Gln-Glu-Met-Gly-Tyr-Ile-Phe-Tyr-Pro-Arg-Lys-Leu-Arg
- Molecular weight: about 2175 g/mol
- Form: white lyophilized powder
Discovery
MOTS-c was described in 2015 by researchers at the University of Southern California in a paper in Cell Metabolism. It was a striking find: the mitochondrial genome is small and was long thought to encode only proteins of the respiratory chain.
Humanin, another mitochondrial peptide, had been discovered earlier. MOTS-c confirmed that mitochondria can produce more signalling molecules than once thought.
Research areas
MOTS-c is mainly studied in cell and animal models, including:
- Glucose and fatty acid metabolism in muscle and cell models
- The AMPK pathway, a central energy sensor of the cell
- Communication between mitochondria and the nucleus
- Changes in MOTS-c levels with age in animal models
MOTS-c alongside NAD+ and SS-31
In mitochondrial research, MOTS-c is often mentioned together with NAD+, the coenzyme of energy metabolism, and SS-31, a peptide that binds the inner mitochondrial membrane. Each molecule sheds light on another aspect of mitochondrial function.
Storage and quality
Store lyophilized MOTS-c at −20 °C, dry and protected from light. Reconstitute with bacteriostatic water, swirl gently and keep the solution at 2–8 °C. Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles.
Every batch of MOTS-c from Virexa Labs is tested by HPLC for ≥99% purity and by mass spectrometry for identity; the COA is on the product page. MOTS-c is not approved as a medicine and at Virexa Labs is intended solely for laboratory research, not for human or veterinary use.
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Frequently asked questions
What does MOTS-c stand for?
Mitochondrial Open reading frame of the Twelve S rRNA type-c: the peptide is encoded in the 12S rRNA gene of mitochondrial DNA.
How many amino acids does MOTS-c have?
16.
When was MOTS-c discovered?
In 2015, by researchers at the University of Southern California.
Is MOTS-c intended for human use?
No. MOTS-c from Virexa Labs is intended solely for laboratory research and not for human or veterinary consumption.