Description
MOTS-c (Mitochondrial Open Reading Frame of the 12S rRNA Type-c) is a naturally occurring 16-amino-acid mitochondrial-derived peptide encoded by mitochondrial DNA rather than the nuclear genome. This unique origin distinguishes it from most other research peptides and has made it an important molecule for investigating how mitochondria communicate with the rest of the cell.
Published research suggests that MOTS-c is released in response to metabolic stress and exercise, where it helps coordinate cellular adaptation to increased energy demand. Because of this role, MOTS-c has become one of the leading investigational peptides in metabolism, exercise physiology and healthy aging research.
Looking to buy MOTS-c in Europe? LIFE Peptide supplies high-purity MOTS-c for laboratory research with reliable EU-wide shipping.
Why MOTS-c is widely investigated
Published research has investigated MOTS-c in relation to:
- cellular energy metabolism
- exercise adaptation
- fonction mitochondriale
- metabolic flexibility
- sensibilité à l'insuline
- glucose metabolism
- vieillissement en santé
- skeletal muscle physiology
- AMPK signalling
As research into mitochondrial-derived peptides has expanded, MOTS-c has become one of the best-characterised molecules linking mitochondrial function with whole-body metabolism.
How MOTS-c works
Unlike conventional peptide hormones, MOTS-c functions as a mitochondrial signalling peptide, helping cells adapt to metabolic stress.
Les recherches publiées ont exploré sa relation avec :
Cellular energy metabolism
MOTS-c has been investigated for its ability to regulate cellular energy use during metabolic stress by influencing pathways involved in glucose utilisation and fatty acid metabolism.
Exercise adaptation
Exercise increases endogenous MOTS-c expression, making it one of the most studied mitochondrial-derived peptides in exercise physiology. Researchers have investigated whether MOTS-c contributes to some of the metabolic adaptations normally associated with physical activity.
AMPK signalling
One of the principal mechanisms investigated for MOTS-c involves activation of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), a key regulator of cellular energy balance and metabolic adaptation.
Vieillir en santé
Because mitochondrial function changes with age, MOTS-c has become an important research target in studies investigating metabolic resilience and healthy aging.
Why MOTS-c is often described as an “exercise peptide”
One of the most interesting observations in the scientific literature is that endogenous MOTS-c levels increase in response to exercise.
Rather than replacing physical activity, researchers are investigating whether MOTS-c activates some of the same cellular pathways involved in exercise-induced metabolic adaptation, particularly those related to mitochondrial function and AMPK signalling. This has led to its description as a potential exercise-mimetic peptide, although this remains an active area of research and should not be interpreted as equivalent to the physiological effects of exercise itself.
Recherche humaine et préclinique
Research on MOTS-c is growing rapidly, although the evidence base remains considerably smaller than for established metabolic peptides such as Semaglutide or Tirzepatide.
Published studies have investigated MOTS-c in laboratory models of metabolism, exercise physiology, insulin sensitivity and aging, while human research has primarily focused on endogenous MOTS-c levels and their relationship with metabolic health. Clinical interventional research remains limited.
How MOTS-c differs from related metabolic peptides
| Peptide | Primary research focus |
|---|---|
| MOTS-c | Mitochondrial metabolism & exercise adaptation |
| SS-31 (Elamipretide) | Mitochondrial membrane function |
| Retatrutide | Triple incretin metabolic signalling |
| Sémaglutide | GLP-1 receptor signalling |
| AOD-9604 | Growth hormone fragment research |
Unlike incretin peptides, MOTS-c is investigated primarily for cellular energy regulation and mitochondrial signalling, making it one of the few research peptides that directly targets mitochondrial biology.
Observations de sécurité publiées
Most published data on MOTS-c come from preclinical studies, with relatively limited human interventional research available. Current investigations have generally reported acceptable tolerability in early studies, but long-term efficacy and safety remain under investigation. Because clinical evidence is still emerging, findings should be interpreted within the context of ongoing research.
Caractéristiques du produit
Application : recherche de laboratoire et analytique
Utilisation restreinte : non destiné à la consommation humaine ; non destiné à un usage médical, vétérinaire ou cosmétique
Produit dans des installations conformes aux BPF dans le cadre de protocoles de CQ stricts.
Chaque lot est soumis à des tests rigoureux en laboratoire après production (vous trouverez le certificat d'analyse sous les photos du produit).
Lyophilisé (séché par congélation) pour une stabilité et une durée de conservation maximales.
Scellés dans des flacons stériles, prêts à être reconstitués.
Pureté : ≥98% (testée par HPLC)
Aspect : Poudre blanche/blanc cassé lyophilisée
Formule moléculaire : C101H152N28O22S2
Molecular weight: 2174.6
Sequence: Met-Arg-Trp-Gln-Glu-Met-Gly-Tyr-Ile-Phe-Tyr-Pro-Arg-Lys-Leu-Arg
Stockage: les flacons lyophilisés non ouverts sont mieux conservés réfrigéré à 2–8 °C, qui est la méthode de stockage confirmée par notre partenaire de fabrication et adaptée jusqu'à 24 mois. La réfrigération est préférable car elle minimise les cycles de congélation-décongélation inutiles lors de la manipulation de routine. Si un stockage à plus long terme est nécessaire, les flacons lyophilisés non ouverts peuvent également être conservés congelés. Une fois reconstituées, toujours conserver à 2-8°C et ne pas congeler.
Reconstitution et manipulation
MOTS-c is supplied as a lyophilised vial and should be handled using standard peptide reconstitution procedures appropriate to the research setting. Must be reconstituted with eau bactériostatique avant utilisation. Pour aider à préserver l'intégrité structurelle, ajoutez le solvant choisi lentement contre la paroi intérieure du flacon plutôt que directement sur le précipité peptidique, et évitez les secousses vigoureuses. Un léger mouvement de rotation suffit généralement une fois que le peptide est complètement dissous. Les pratiques courantes de laboratoire comprennent également le fait de laisser les flacons réfrigérés atteindre la température ambiante avant la reconstitution afin de minimiser la condensation à l'intérieur du flacon.
Pour d'autres choix de solvant, une planification de la concentration et des conseils de stockage, consultez le guide complet Guide de reconstitution des peptides et Calculateur de reconstitution.
Références de recherche sélectionnées
- Lee C, et al. The Mitochondrial-Derived Peptide MOTS-c Promotes Metabolic Homeostasis and Reduces Obesity and Insulin Resistance, Cell Metabolism, 2015
The landmark paper describing the discovery of MOTS-c and its role in metabolic regulation.
- Zhou H, et al. Mitochondria-derived Peptide MOTS-c: Effects and Mechanisms Related to Stress, Metabolism and Aging, Journal of Translational Medicine, 2023
A comprehensive review summarising current evidence on MOTS-c biology, metabolism, stress adaptation and aging.
- Atakan MM, Bishop DJ. Small Peptides: Could They Have a Big Role in Metabolism and the Response to Exercise?, Journal of Physiology, 2024
A modern review examining mitochondrial-derived peptides, including MOTS-c, with a focus on exercise physiology and metabolic adaptation.
- Bobylev AG, et al. Mitochondrial Peptide MOTS-c: Regulation of Metabolism and Prospects for Clinical and Sports Medicine Applications, Human Physiology, 2025
A review discussing emerging evidence for MOTS-c in metabolism, exercise physiology and healthy aging.
Questions fréquemment posées
What is MOTS-c?
MOTS-c is a naturally occurring mitochondrial-derived peptide encoded by mitochondrial DNA. It is widely investigated for its role in cellular energy metabolism, exercise adaptation and healthy aging.
Why is MOTS-c associated with exercise research?
Published studies have shown that endogenous MOTS-c levels increase in response to exercise. Researchers are investigating whether it contributes to metabolic adaptations associated with physical activity through pathways such as AMPK signalling.
What makes MOTS-c different from GLP-1 peptides?
Unlike GLP-1 receptor agonists, which primarily investigate incretin signalling, MOTS-c focuses on mitochondrial communication, cellular energy regulation and metabolic adaptation. These represent distinct areas of metabolic research.
What research areas commonly investigate MOTS-c?
Current research includes cellular metabolism, mitochondrial biology, insulin sensitivity, exercise physiology, AMPK signalling, skeletal muscle adaptation and healthy aging.
How does MOTS-c differ from SS-31?
Both are mitochondrial peptides, but they investigate different aspects of mitochondrial biology. MOTS-c is primarily associated with metabolic signalling and exercise adaptation, whereas SS-31 is investigated for mitochondrial membrane integrity and bioenergetics.
Is MOTS-c an exercise replacement?
No. Although MOTS-c has been described as an exercise-mimetic peptide because it activates some exercise-related metabolic pathways, current research does not support the conclusion that it reproduces the full physiological effects of physical exercise.
Can I buy MOTS-c in Europe?
Yes. We ship MOTS-c to most European countries using reliable courier services. Available shipping methods and delivery times are shown during checkout based on your destination.
Ce produit est-il destiné à un usage humain ?
No. MOTS-c supplied by LIFE Peptide is provided strictly for laboratory and analytical research. It is not intended for human consumption, diagnosis, treatment or prevention of disease. Any discussion of published studies summarises the scientific literature relating to the MOTS-c molecule rather than the intended use of this product.
Contexte de recherche connexe
MOTS-c is frequently discussed alongside other research peptides investigating mitochondrial function, metabolism and healthy aging, although each targets different aspects of cellular physiology.
SS-31 (Élamipretide) – étudié pour la réparation mitochondriale et la production d'énergie cellulaire.
Epitalon – studied for telomere biology and healthy aging research.
CJC-1295 avec DAC – étudié pour une signalisation prolongée de la GH et de l'IGF-1.
CJC-1295 sans DAC – studied for physiological growth hormone release.
GHK-Cu – investigated for tissue regeneration and extracellular matrix remodelling.
REMARQUE : Ces informations sont fournies à titre purement informatif et ne constituent en aucun cas un avis médical.
Avis de non-responsabilité :
Ce produit est vendu à des fins de recherche uniquement. Il n'est pas destiné à diagnostiquer, traiter, guérir ou prévenir une maladie. L'acheteur assume la pleine responsabilité de sa manipulation et de son utilisation appropriées.








