Low StockMOTS-c
10mg | $99.00A mitochondrial-encoded peptide that triggers the same metabolic adaptations as sustained exercise — glucose uptake through insulin-independent pathways, improved oxidative capacity, and enhanced stress resistance.
Cells release it when they detect metabolic demand. Endogenous levels rise 12-fold during physical activity.
The mechanism runs through AMPK, the cellular energy sensor that coordinates fuel availability with energy expenditure.
Made in USA•Purity: 99% HPLC
- Energy Sensor ActivationActivates AMPK, shifting cellular metabolism toward oxidation rather than storage
- Insulin-Independent Glucose UptakeEnables glucose transport into cells through insulin-independent pathways
- Nuclear TranslocationTranslocates to the nucleus during metabolic stress to modulate gene expression
- Exercise-Induced SignalEndogenous levels increase 12-fold in muscle during physical activity
1
For in-vitro laboratory research use only. Not for human consumption.
Research Status:Pre-Clinical Studies
Observational human data and one MOTS-c analog Phase 1 trial; no native MOTS-c randomized controlled trials
For laboratory research use only.
MOTS-c is an exercise signal encoded in mitochondrial DNA — a 16-amino-acid peptide that rises 12-fold in muscle during physical activity. It represents a class of molecules called mitochondrial-derived peptides (MDPs) that allow mitochondria to communicate with the nucleus and other cellular compartments.
Research positions MOTS-c as more than a metabolic regulator. Circulating levels are higher in younger, metabolically healthy individuals and lower in obesity, type 2 diabetes, coronary artery disease, and sarcopenia. Exercise trials show MOTS-c behaves as an exercise-induced mitokine; better-conditioned subjects have more dynamic MOTS-c responses. Reviews in diabetes, aging, bone biology, and cardiovascular research frame MOTS-c as a broad mitochondrial signaling peptide for healthy aging rather than a narrow fat-loss tool.
Exercise-Induced Expression
MOTS-c levels in skeletal muscle rise approximately 12-fold following exercise, with elevations persisting for several hours. Circulating MOTS-c also increases during and after physical activity. This positions MOTS-c as a molecular mediator of exercise's metabolic benefits — the signal that translates physical demand into cellular adaptation.
Age-Related Decline
Endogenous MOTS-c expression declines with age alongside reduced physical capacity. Population genetic studies have identified a MOTS-c variant (m.1382A>C) associated with exceptional longevity in Japanese cohorts.
Human Observational Studies
Multiple studies have examined circulating MOTS-c across metabolic and cardiovascular contexts:
- In obese adults, lower circulating MOTS-c independently correlated with reduced insulin sensitivity
- In cardiovascular research, lower MOTS-c independently predicted coronary artery disease
- In diabetic subjects, MOTS-c and related mitochondrial peptides are down-regulated, suggesting systemic depletion in metabolic disease
Cardiovascular and Cardiac Effects
Preclinical research has examined MOTS-c in cardiac stress models. In pressure-overload cardiac dysfunction and diabetic myocardial injury models, MOTS-c administration reduced remodeling and enhanced antioxidant defense. The mechanism aligns with its AMPK/antioxidant profile — the same pathways that protect muscle and metabolism appear to protect heart tissue under stress.
Bone Metabolism
Early research suggests MOTS-c influences bone remodeling. Preclinical data show effects on osteoblast and osteoclast activity, nudging the cells that build and break down bone toward a more balanced state. This extends the exercise-mimetic framing: MOTS-c appears to talk to bone as well as muscle and fat.
CB4211 Phase 1a/1b Trial
CB4211, a MOTS-c analog, completed Phase 1a/1b clinical trials in 2021. Reductions in liver enzymes (ALT, AST) and trends toward weight loss were observed with acceptable tolerability. Development was discontinued due to formulation challenges rather than safety signals. This remains the only clinical trial of a MOTS-c analog to date.
Most mechanistic research comes from murine models. Human data is primarily observational, correlating endogenous MOTS-c levels with metabolic and cardiovascular phenotypes. The single clinical trial of a MOTS-c analog was discontinued before efficacy endpoints could be established. Cardiovascular, bone, and cardiac effects are preclinical only — human interventional data does not yet exist for these domains. Exercise-induction data in humans confirms the biological response but does not establish exogenous administration effects.
- Lee C, et al. The mitochondrial-derived peptide MOTS-c promotes metabolic homeostasis and reduces obesity and insulin resistance. Cell Metab 2015.
- Reynolds JC, et al. MOTS-c is an exercise-induced mitochondrial-encoded regulator of age-dependent physical decline and muscle homeostasis. Nat Commun 2021.
- Wan W, et al. MOTS-c: a mitochondrial-derived peptide as a regulator of metabolism and aging. J Transl Med 2023.
- Zhong L, et al. MOTS-c improves cardiac function and protects against pressure overload-induced cardiac dysfunction. J Cell Mol Med 2022.
For laboratory research use only.
| Amino Acid Sequence | Met-Arg-Trp-Gln-Glu-Met-Gly-Tyr-Ile-Phe-Tyr-Pro-Arg-Lys-Leu-Arg |
|---|---|
| Single-Letter Code | MRWQEMGYIFYPRKLR |
| Molecular Formula | C101H152N28O22S2 |
| Molecular Weight | 2174.64 g/mol |
| Amino Acid Count | 16 |
| CAS Number | 1627580-64-6 |
| PubChem CID | 255386757 |
| Origin | Mitochondrial-derived peptide encoded within the mitochondrial 12S rRNA gene (MT-RNR1) |
| Synonyms | Mitochondrial ORF of the 12S rRNA type-c, MT-RNR1 |
This product ships as lyophilized (freeze-dried) powder. After reconstitution, the solution requires different storage conditions than the powder.
Reconstituted Solution
Refrigerate2–8°C (36–46°F)Up to 30 daysDo not freeze. Use within 30 days of mixing.
Lyophilized Powder
Refrigerated2–8°C (36–46°F)Weeks to months
Frozen−20°C (−4°F) or belowMonths to years
All peptides are HPLC-purified to ≥99% purity. Each lot includes a Certificate of Analysis (COA) with exact purity percentage, mass spectrometry data, and amino acid analysis.
Lyophilized peptides should be stored at -20°C for long-term storage or 2-8°C for short-term use. Once reconstituted, store at 2-8°C and use within 30 days. Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles.
This product is sold strictly for in-vitro laboratory research purposes only. It is not intended for human consumption and is not a drug, cosmetic, or food product.
Currently we ship within the United States only. International shipping is not available at this time.