MOTS-c Peptide
MOTS-c (mitochondrial open reading frame of the 12S rRNA type-c) is a 16-amino acid peptide encoded within the mitochondrial genome. It is postulated to play a role in metabolic regulation, insulin sensitivity, and mitochondrial homeostasis, particularly in response to cellular stress. Researchers have posited that MOTS-c operates via the AMPK pathway, among others, which may be implicated in various age-related and metabolic functions.
Overview
MOTS-c has been suggested by researchers to function as a mitochondrial-derived peptide with systemic signaling effects. Experimental findings indicate that it may modulate nuclear gene expression by translocating from the mitochondria to the nucleus under metabolic stress. Once in the nucleus, MOTS-c may upregulate genes involved in oxidative metabolism, stress resistance, and insulin action. This dual mitochondrial-nuclear communication places MOTS-c at the intersection of metabolic control and cellular adaptation.
In metabolic models, MOTS-c has shown the potential to influence insulin sensitivity and reduce obesity-induced insulin resistance. It has also been suggested to suppress age-related mitochondrial decline and to act as a regulatory element in glucose utilization and fat oxidation. These pathways may be relevant in conditions involving metabolic dysregulation and age-associated decline in mitochondrial function.
Chemical Makeup
Due to its mitochondrial origin and peptide nature, MOTS-c lacks a definitive molecular formula that accounts for variable glycoforms or post-translational modifications. For research-grade identification, the molecular weight is used.
Molecular Weight: 2178.1 g/mol
Sequence: MRWQEMGYIFYPRKLR
CAS Number: 2014206-72-8
Appearance: White to off-white lyophilized powder
Batch Purity: ≥98.0%
Solubility: Soluble in sterile water or PBS
Research and Clinical Studies
MOTS-c and Fat Metabolism
In murine models of diet-induced obesity, administration of MOTS-c reportedly resulted in increased energy expenditure and reduced fat accumulation. These findings suggest the peptide may mimic aspects of exercise by promoting fat oxidation and preventing adipocyte hypertrophy. In such models, MOTS-c was associated with elevated thermogenesis and activation of AMPK, a central regulator of energy balance.
MOTS-c and Mitochondrial Biogenesis
Research indicates that MOTS-c may enhance mitochondrial function by promoting mitochondrial biogenesis and reducing oxidative damage. In studies involving aging models, MOTS-c administration reportedly led to improved muscle performance and endurance. These results have been interpreted to suggest a potential mitochondrial protective effect and enhanced cellular energy capacity.
MOTS-c and Insulin Sensitivity
Researchers studying metabolic disorders have investigated MOTS-c’s role in improving insulin action. In insulin-resistant mouse models, treatment with MOTS-c led to increased glucose uptake and reduced blood glucose levels, independent of insulin signaling pathways. These findings suggest a possible insulin-sensitizing effect, which may be relevant to studies focused on type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome.
MOTS-c and Cellular Stress Response
Exposure to MOTS-c has been shown to elevate cellular resilience to oxidative and metabolic stress. It is posited that the peptide activates adaptive stress pathways, including NRF2 and AMPK, which contribute to improved survival under nutrient-deprived or high-fat conditions. These mechanisms may contribute to the peptide’s proposed benefits in aging and metabolic health.
MOTS-c and Aging Models
In senescence-accelerated mouse models, MOTS-c administration resulted in improved physical performance, increased skeletal muscle mass, and decreased markers of inflammation. These outcomes have been suggested to indicate MOTS-c’s role in counteracting age-related decline in mitochondrial function, which is closely associated with systemic aging.
MOTS-c peptide is available for research and laboratory purposes only. Not for human consumption or therapeutic use.
References
- Lee, C. et al. (2015). The mitochondrial-derived peptide MOTS-c promotes metabolic homeostasis and reduces obesity and insulin resistance. Cell Metabolism, 21(3), 443–454. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25738459/
- Reynolds, J. et al. (2020). Mitochondrial-derived peptides: new frontiers in metabolic signaling. Trends in Endocrinology & Metabolism, 31(2), 101–112. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31924389/
- Kim, K.H. et al. (2018). MOTS-c suppresses mitophagy in the liver. Nature Communications, 9, 1614. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29670189/
- Lu, H. et al. (2019). Mitochondrial-derived peptide MOTS-c prevents muscle atrophy by activating AMPK and SIRT1. Aging, 11(15), 4686–4700. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31327428/
- Jiao, J. et al. (2021). MOTS-c alleviates insulin resistance in skeletal muscle through enhanced mitochondrial biogenesis. Journal of Endocrinology, 249(3), 243–256. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34370355/
- Cobb, L. J. et al. (2016). Mitochondrial peptide humanin regulates lifespan and insulin sensitivity. Science Translational Medicine, 8(326), 326ra21. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26858373/
- Zempo, H. et al. (2016). Mitochondrial-derived peptide MOTS-c: a new player in exercise-induced metabolic improvements. Sports Medicine, 46(7), 965–973. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26993320/
- Lu, Y. et al. (2021). The role of MOTS-c in muscle aging and sarcopenia. Frontiers in Physiology, 12, 710534. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34393884/
- Lin, Y. et al. (2022). MOTS-c increases thermogenic activity in brown adipose tissue. Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications, 590, 101–107. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35247542/
- Kim, S.J. et al. (2021). Protective effect of MOTS-c on mitochondrial dysfunction in aged mice. GeroScience, 43, 897–909. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33787703/
- Katsyuba, E. et al. (2020). NAD+ homeostasis in health and disease. Nature Metabolism, 2, 9–31. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31527815/
- Chen, Y. et al. (2020). MOTS-c ameliorates cognitive decline in a mouse model of aging. Journal of Molecular Neuroscience, 70(3), 358–368. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31637577/