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Research Compound CatalogPerformance & Cellular ResearchMOTS-c Research Profile
Performance & Cellular Research
Research Use Only

Mitochondria-Derived Peptide (MDP) — 12S rRNA-Encoded

MOTS-c

Mitochondria-Derived Peptide (MDP) — 12S rRNA-Encoded

Research StatusLiterature Reviewed Through: July 2026
Research Use Only
Updated Periodically

Research Profiles are reviewed periodically as new peer-reviewed literature becomes available.

Available Strength
10 mg / vial
CAS Number
1627580-64-6
Performance & Cellular Research laboratory research
Performance & Cellular Research
Research at a Glance

Major published findings — summarized in under 30 seconds.

1
Improved glucose uptake independent of insulin has been observed in cell and animal models.
2
Activation of AMPK, a key energy-sensing pathway, has been reported following MOTS-c administration.
3
Circulating MOTS-c levels have been shown to increase with exercise in published human studies.
4
Declining MOTS-c levels with age have been documented, supporting its study in aging research.
5
Anti-inflammatory effects have been observed in models of metabolic stress and inflammation.

What Is This Compound?

MOTS-c is a short peptide with an unusual origin — it is encoded not by the main human genome, but by the DNA inside mitochondria, the energy-producing structures found in every cell. Researchers discovered that MOTS-c is released by mitochondria in response to metabolic stress and travels to the cell nucleus, where it influences how genes related to energy use are expressed. Studies have found that MOTS-c levels in the body increase during exercise and decline with age, which has made it a subject of interest in both exercise physiology and aging research. It is one of a small class of compounds now being studied as natural signals that link mitochondrial health to whole-body metabolism.

Continue below to see what published research has observed so far.

What Has Research Found?

1
Improved glucose uptake independent of insulin has been observed in cell and animal models.
2
Activation of AMPK, a key energy-sensing pathway, has been reported following MOTS-c administration.
3
Circulating MOTS-c levels have been shown to increase with exercise in published human studies.
4
Declining MOTS-c levels with age have been documented, supporting its study in aging research.
5
Anti-inflammatory effects have been observed in models of metabolic stress and inflammation.

Want to understand why these findings occur? Continue to the scientific overview below.

The Science Behind It

MOTS-c (Mitochondrial Open Reading Frame of the 12S rRNA-c) is a 16-amino acid mitochondria-derived peptide (MDP) encoded within the 12S ribosomal RNA gene of the mitochondrial genome. It represents a class of bioactive peptides that originate from mitochondrial DNA and function as retrograde signals coordinating mitochondrial and nuclear gene expression. MOTS-c is studied for its roles in metabolic regulation, exercise adaptation, and cellular stress response.

Mechanism of Action

MOTS-c translocates to the nucleus in response to metabolic stress, where it regulates gene expression programs involved in glucose and lipid metabolism. Research indicates it activates AMPK signaling, promotes glucose uptake independent of insulin, and enhances mitochondrial biogenesis. In exercise research models, MOTS-c levels increase with physical activity and are studied as a potential mediator of exercise-induced metabolic benefits. The peptide also demonstrates anti-inflammatory properties through modulation of NF-κB and other stress-response pathways.

Key Research Characteristics
First identified mitochondria-derived peptide encoded within the 12S rRNA gene of mitochondrial DNA
Translocates to the nucleus under metabolic stress to regulate gene expression — novel retrograde signaling
Activates AMPK pathway and promotes insulin-independent glucose uptake
Plasma levels increase with exercise; studied as a mediator of exercise-induced metabolic adaptation
Investigated in aging research — circulating MOTS-c declines with age in published human studies
Anti-inflammatory properties studied through NF-κB and stress-response pathway modulation

Research Applications

Mitochondrial biology and retrograde signaling research
AMPK pathway activation and metabolic regulation studies
Exercise physiology and adaptation research
Insulin-independent glucose metabolism investigation
Aging and cellular stress response biology

Compound Specifications

Available Strength
10 mg / vial
Appearance
White lyophilized powder
Purity
≥98% (HPLC)
Storage Conditions
−20 °C; protect from light
Storage After Reconstitution
4 °C up to 7 days; −80 °C for long-term storage
Molecular Formula
C₁₀₁H₁₆₈N₃₄O₃₁
Molecular Weight
2174.7 g/mol
CAS Number
1627580-64-6
Research Status
Research Use Only (RUO)

Scientific 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.
2.Reynolds JC, et al. MOTS-c is an exercise-induced mitochondrial-encoded regulator of age-dependent physical decline and muscle homeostasis. Nat Commun. 2021;12(1):470.
3.Kim SJ, et al. Mitochondrially derived peptides as novel regulators of metabolism. J Physiol. 2017;595(21):6613–6621.
4.[Placeholder] Peer-reviewed publication on MOTS-c nuclear translocation and gene regulation mechanisms.
5.[Placeholder] Technical reference: MOTS-c plasma measurement methodology and reference ranges.

Placeholder entries are reserved for peer-reviewed publications. All references are provided for scientific context only.

Current State of Research

Research Use Only

All information presented on this Research Profile is intended exclusively for laboratory research purposes. This compound is designated Research Use Only (RUO) and is not intended for human consumption, veterinary use, or any clinical application. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or medical condition.

This material is sold solely for in vitro research and laboratory investigation by qualified scientific personnel. Kali Research LLC makes no representations regarding the safety or efficacy of this compound for any use outside of controlled laboratory research settings. Researchers are solely responsible for compliance with all applicable laws and institutional regulations governing the use of research compounds.

Not for human consumptionNot for veterinary useNot for clinical applicationQualified researchers onlyIn vitro / laboratory use
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Research Profile
Specifications
Available Strength10 mg / vial
AppearanceWhite lyophilized powder
Purity≥98% (HPLC)
Storage Conditions−20 °C; protect from light
Storage After Reconstitution4 °C up to 7 days; −80 °C for long-term storage
Molecular FormulaC₁₀₁H₁₆₈N₃₄O₃₁
Molecular Weight2174.7 g/mol
CAS Number1627580-64-6

Need additional technical documentation? Submit an inquiry and our team will respond.

Research Use Only (RUO). Not for human consumption, veterinary use, or clinical application.