MOTS-C
Mitochondrial Open Reading Frame of the 12S rRNA Type-C
MOTS-C is a 16-amino acid peptide encoded by the mitochondrial genome — discovered in 2015, it represents a novel class of signaling molecules called mitochondrial-derived peptides. Before MOTS-C, mitochondria were understood primarily as energy-producing organelles. Its discovery demonstrated that mitochondria also produce peptide hormones that regulate metabolic homeostasis at a systemic level, fundamentally expanding how researchers think about organelle function and intercellular communication.
Why Researchers Study It
MOTS-C went from an unknown reading frame in mitochondrial DNA to a well-characterized signaling peptide in less than a decade. The finding that it is exercise-induced, that its levels decline with age, and that it translocates to the nucleus during metabolic stress gives researchers a uniquely rich compound for studying the intersection of metabolism, exercise physiology, and aging.
Metabolic Regulation
Published research has documented MOTS-C's ability to target skeletal muscle and enhance glucose metabolism through the Folate-AICAR-AMPK pathway.
Exercise Physiology
A Nature Communications study demonstrated that MOTS-C is exercise-induced and enhanced physical performance in mice across all age groups.
Aging & Healthspan Research
Studies have documented that circulating MOTS-C levels decline with age in humans, and late-life treatment improved healthspan markers in preclinical models.
Mito-Nuclear Communication
Researchers demonstrated that MOTS-C translocates from mitochondria to the nucleus during stress, regulating genes with antioxidant response elements — a novel signaling pathway.
Research Timeline
8 milestones spanning 2015–2025
- Discovered as the first metabolic mitochondrial-derived peptide in Cell Metabolism (2015)
- Exercise-induced regulation and healthspan improvement published in Nature Communications (2021)
- Nuclear translocation during metabolic stress revealed a novel mito-nuclear pathway (2019)
Related Learning
Guides, articles, and resources connected to this compound.
Mitochondrial Peptides & Energy Signaling
How mitochondrial-derived peptides regulate metabolic pathways.
Peptide Mechanisms Explained
Receptor binding, signaling cascades, and pathway interactions.
Complete Guide to Research Peptides
Comprehensive overview of the research peptide landscape.
How Peptides Work
Foundation guide covering peptide structure and signaling mechanisms.
Research Database
Searchable index of published research across all compounds.
Published Research
Selected citations from the published literature.
Reynolds JC, et al. MOTS-c is an exercise-induced mitochondrial-encoded regulator of age-dependent physical decline. Nat Commun. 2021;12:470.
PMID: 33473105Lee C, et al. The mitochondrial-derived peptide MOTS-c promotes metabolic homeostasis. Cell Metab. 2015;21(3):443-454.
PMID: 25738459Mitochondria-derived peptide MOTS-c: effects and mechanisms related to stress, metabolism and aging.
PMID: PMC9854231Explore MOTS-C
Research data, product specifications, and related kits.
Research Use Compliance
All information presented on this page references published preclinical research and is provided for educational and informational purposes only. These products are intended for laboratory research use only. Not for human consumption. No statements on this page have been evaluated by the FDA. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.