What Is MOTS-c?
MOTS-c is a mitochondrial-derived peptide (MDP) — a short peptide encoded within mitochondrial DNA, in the 12S rRNA region. It is studied in scientific research as a reference compound for investigating mitochondrial function and metabolic regulation. MOTS-c is an investigational compound and is not an approved medicine.
Classification and structure
MOTS-c is a small peptide (approximately 16 amino acids) encoded by the mitochondrial genome, within the 12S rRNA region — one of a class of mitochondrial-derived peptides identified in cellular-biology research.
Mechanism studied in research
Published research investigates MOTS-c in relation to:
- Metabolic-stress signalling in study models.
- The AMPK pathway, a central regulator of cellular energy metabolism.
- Mitochondrial function and cellular-energy homeostasis, including nuclear translocation under metabolic stress.
These statements describe the published scientific record; they are not claims about any effect in humans.
Research background
MOTS-c was first described in 2015 as a mitochondrial-derived peptide, with subsequent primary research on its AMPK-dependent nuclear translocation under metabolic stress and review articles summarising its role in mitochondrial biology. Much of the literature is preclinical. References are listed below.
Purity, testing and handling
Lazarus Labs supplies MOTS-c as a lyophilised reference material, independently tested to 99%+ purity, with a batch Certificate of Analysis (COA). Store cold and protected from light, per standard laboratory practice.
References
- Lee C, Zeng J, Drew BG, et al. Cell Metabolism. 2015. PMID: 25738459.
- Kim KH, Son JM, Benayoun BA, Lee C. Cell Metabolism. 2018. PMID: 29983246.
- Zheng Y, Wei Z, Wang T. Frontiers in Endocrinology. 2023. PMID: 36761202.
Primary literature, verified against PubMed/PMC; much of it preclinical. Citations are provided for scientific reference and do not imply any human-use indication.
Important
For research use only. Not for human or veterinary consumption. MOTS-c is an investigational compound and is not an approved therapeutic good. Lazarus Labs supplies it solely as a laboratory reference material and makes no therapeutic, medical or performance claims. Nothing on this page is medical advice or a recommendation to administer this compound to humans or animals.