Most peptides are encoded by the DNA in the nucleus of our cells. The MOTS-c is an exception: it is coded by the Mitochondrial DNA, the energy plants of the cell. This is what makes it one of the most original peptides studied in metabolism.
A discovery from 2015
MOTS-c was described in 2015 by a team from the University of Southern California, in the journal Cell Metabolism. The researchers identified, in the 12S ribosomal RNA gene of the mitochondria, a short sequence capable of producing a 16 amino acid peptide.
Its structure
| Feature | Value |
|---|---|
| Sequence | MRWQEMGYIFYPRKLR |
| Amino acids | 16 |
| Molar mass | 2 174,6 g/mol |
| Origin | Mitochondrial DNA (12S rRNA gene) |
What the research studies
- Energy metabolism : MOTS-c is studied for its action on the AMPK, an enzyme that regulates the use of glucose and fats.
- Insulin sensitivity : on animal models, linked to the regulation of blood sugar.
- Physical exercise : its production increases during exercise, which has led to it being studied as an “exercise mimetic”.
- Ageing : its levels seem to decrease with age.
These results mainly come from studies on cells and animals; data in humans remain limited.
Conservation and quality
Its sequence contains methionine and tryptophan, two amino acids sensitive to oxidation: MOTS-c can be stored in the cold, away from light and humidity. See our guides on storage of lyophilized peptides and on the peptides studied in metabolism.
Fact sheet
- Last name
- MOTS-c (mitochondrial open reading frame of the 12S rRNA type-c)
- Sequence
- MRWQEMGYIFYPRKLR (16 amino acids)
- Molar mass
- 2 174,6 g/mol
- N° CAS
- 1627580-64-6
- Origin
- Encoded by mitochondrial DNA (12S ribosomal RNA gene)
- Receptor or target
- AMPK pathway (energy metabolism)
- Regulatory status
- No marketing authorisation
What the research says
Summary of published data, written by the PeptidLab team. It describes molecules studied in the laboratory or in clinical trials: nothing here is an indication for use.
2015PreclinicalCell Metab
Discovery of MOTS-c: in mice, the peptide activates AMPK, limits weight gain on a high-fat diet and improves insulin sensitivity.
2018PreclinicalCell Metab
Under metabolic stress, MOTS-c moves to the cell nucleus and regulates the expression of nuclear genes.
2021PreclinicalNat Commun
MOTS-c is produced during exercise; in old mice, it improves physical capacity.
Safety: what studies report
- There are no safety data from controlled human trials for MOTS-c.
Sources
Links to PubMed or to the original document. Articles in English.
- Lee C et al. The mitochondrial-derived peptide MOTS-c promotes metabolic homeostasis and reduces obesity and insulin resistance. Cell Metab, 2015. PubMed
- Kim KH et al. The Mitochondrial-Encoded Peptide MOTS-c Translocates to the Nucleus to Regulate Nuclear Gene Expression in Response to Metabolic Stress. Cell Metab, 2018. PubMed
- Reynolds JC et al. MOTS-c is an exercise-induced mitochondrial-encoded regulator of age-dependent physical decline and muscle homeostasis. Nat Commun, 2021. PubMed
Updated October 2026.
Frequently asked questions
What does MOTS-c mean?
Mitochondrial Open reading frame of the Twelve S rRNA type-c: the peptide is encoded in the 12S ribosomal RNA gene of the mitochondrion.
Is MOTS-c studied in humans?
Most of the data comes from cellular and animal studies. Human studies remain limited.
This guide has an informative and scientific purpose. PeptidLab products are intended exclusively for laboratory research and are not intended for human or animal consumption.
