MOTS-c: Mitochondrial Peptide Research Guide

<p>MOTS-c (Mitochondrial Open Reading Frame of the 12S rRNA-c) is a 16-amino acid peptide encoded within the mitochondrial genome — specifically within the 12S ribosomal RNA region. Discovered in 2015 by researchers at USC, MOTS-c is classified as a mitochondria-derived peptide (MDP) and represents a relatively new class of signaling molecules that has attracted significant research interest in metabolic biology and aging research.</p><h2>Molecular Profile</h2><p>Sequence: MRWQEMGYIFYPRKLR | MW: 2174.6 g/mol | CAS: 1627580-64-6 | Origin: Mitochondrial genome (12S rRNA)</p><h2>AMPK Pathway and Metabolic Research</h2><p>The primary signaling mechanism investigated for MOTS-c involves activation of AMPK (AMP-activated protein kinase), a master metabolic regulator that responds to cellular energy status. In cell culture studies, MOTS-c has been observed to activate AMPK and downstream pathways associated with glucose uptake and fatty acid oxidation. Research in animal models has examined MOTS-c's effects on insulin sensitivity and glucose metabolism, making it relevant to metabolic biology research.</p><p>↗ Lee C et al. (2015). The mitochondrial-derived peptide MOTS-c promotes metabolic homeostasis and reduces obesity and insulin resistance. Cell Metabolism. PubMed ID: 25738459</p><h2>Aging and Exercise Biology</h2><p>More recent research has investigated MOTS-c in the context of aging biology. Animal studies have shown that MOTS-c levels decline with age, and exogenous administration in aged rodent models has been associated with improvements in physical performance and metabolic parameters. This has positioned MOTS-c alongside humanin and other MDPs as part of a growing research area examining mitochondria-nucleus communication in aging.</p><h2>Research Applications</h2><ul><li>AMPK signaling pathway studies in cell culture</li><li>Mitochondrial-nuclear signaling research</li><li>Insulin sensitivity and glucose metabolism pathway studies</li><li>Aging biology and longevity research in animal models</li><li>Exercise physiology pathway research</li><li>Mitochondria-derived peptide classification and characterization studies</li></ul><h2>Frequently Asked Questions</h2><p>Q: What makes MOTS-c unique among research peptides?</p><p>A: MOTS-c is one of the few known peptides encoded by the mitochondrial genome rather than the nuclear genome. This mitochondrial origin and its AMPK-activating properties make it uniquely relevant to energy metabolism and aging biology research.</p><p>Q: Is MOTS-c naturally produced by the human body?</p><p>A: Yes. MOTS-c is endogenously produced in human cells, with expression primarily in skeletal muscle and liver. Research-grade MOTS-c is a synthetic version of this naturally occurring peptide.</p><p>Related: MOTS-c Product → | NAD+ Research Guide → | Epitalon Research Guide → | Glutathione Research Guide →</p>