MOTS-c is a mitochondria-derived peptide encoded within the 12S rRNA gene of mitochondrial DNA. It consists of 16 amino acids and is studied for its role in metabolic regulation, exercise physiology, and cellular energy homeostasis.

How should I store MOTS-c?

Store lyophilized MOTS-c at -20°C for long-term storage or at 2-8°C for short-term use. After reconstitution, keep refrigerated at 2-8°C and use within 30 days.

What purity is your MOTS-c?

Our MOTS-c is third-party tested by Janoshik Analytical with verified purity of 98% or higher. A certificate of analysis is provided for every batch.

How do I reconstitute MOTS-c?

Add bacteriostatic water slowly along the inside wall of the vial. Gently swirl to dissolve - do not shake. Use 1-2 mL of bacteriostatic water per vial. The solution should be clear before use.

Buy MOTS-c - Mitochondrial Peptide, Janoshik-Tested

Name: MOTS-c
Brand: PeptidesDirect
SKU: PD-MOTSC-10MG
Availability: InStock

Mitochondrial-derived peptide

A 16 amino acid peptide encoded inside the 12S rRNA region of mitochondrial DNA, one of the few known peptides written into the mitochondrial genome itself.

AMPK activator

Triggers the AMPK pathway, the master fuel-sensor that switches cells from storage mode to energy-burning mode in metabolic research.

Exercise-mimetic signal

Levels rise sharply in muscle and blood after exercise in human studies, and MOTS-c injection boosts running capacity in young, middle-aged, and old mice.

Glucose and insulin signaling

Improves glucose uptake in muscle cells and reduces insulin resistance in obese and aged mouse models.

Stress-response gene regulator

Translocates to the nucleus under metabolic stress and switches on antioxidant and stress-defense genes through the NRF2/ARE axis.

Declines with age

Circulating MOTS-c drops in older animals and humans, which is why it is a frequent target in longevity and healthspan research.

Research areas

Mitochondrial biologyAMPK signalingGlucose & insulinExercise mimeticLongevity & healthspan

What is MOTS-c

MOTS-c is a 16 amino acid peptide encoded inside mitochondrial DNA, specifically in the 12S rRNA gene. It was discovered in 2015 at USC and named for "mitochondrial open reading frame of the 12S rRNA type-c". Until then, mitochondrial DNA was thought to code only for the 13 classic respiratory-chain proteins, so MOTS-c opened a new class of signaling molecules called mitochondrial-derived peptides.

Levels of MOTS-c in blood and muscle decline with age and rise sharply after exercise, which is why researchers study it as a metabolic, exercise, and longevity signal.

We supply it in lyophilized (freeze-dried) form, the same molecule used in the published studies.

How it works

Mitochondria do more than produce energy. They also send chemical messages that tell the rest of the cell how much fuel is available and how much stress it is under. MOTS-c is one of those messages. When the cell runs low on energy, MOTS-c interferes with the folate cycle and downstream purine synthesis, which raises AICAR, a natural activator of AMPK. AMPK is the master fuel sensor: once it is switched on, cells pull in more glucose, burn more fat, and dial down energy storage.

Under metabolic stress, MOTS-c also moves into the cell nucleus and activates stress-defense genes through the NRF2 and ARE pathway. This is the link between MOTS-c and the broader research on healthy aging and resilience.

The strongest evidence is in muscle and metabolism. Studies show MOTS-c improves insulin sensitivity in obese and aged mice, increases glucose uptake in muscle cells, and boosts running capacity in young, middle-aged, and old animals. In humans, MOTS-c rises about 12-fold in muscle and roughly 50% in plasma after exercise.

Often studied alongside

Combined-peptide research often pairs MOTS-c with other mitochondrial and longevity-linked molecules. SS-31 (Elamipretide) targets the inner mitochondrial membrane and is a frequent partner in mitochondrial-health protocols. NAD+ precursors and Epitalon round out the longevity stack most commonly seen in published reviews. All are available in research-grade form below.

Mitochondrial-membrane peptide commonly paired with MOTS-c

SS-31longevity

Mitochondria-targeted tetrapeptide (Elamipretide) that stabilizes cardiolipin and prevents ROS formation at the source.

Pineal peptide used in longevity-stack research

Epitalonlongevity

Tetrapeptide (Ala-Glu-Asp-Gly) that activates telomerase, the enzyme responsible for maintaining telomere length. One of the most studied peptides in longevity research, developed by Prof. Khavinson at the St. Petersburg Institute of Bioregulation.

For reconstitution, the standard solvent in published protocols is bacteriostatic or sterile water.

Standard solvent for reconstitution

Bacteriostatic Wateraccessories

USP-grade sterile water with 0.9% benzyl alcohol - the standard solvent for reconstituting lyophilized peptides. Essential accessory for any peptide research. Each vial is sealed and ready to use.

Documentation

Material specification

Purity

≥98% (HPLC verified)

Test method

HPLC + mass spectrometry

Form

Lyophilized powder

Storage (sealed)

2 to 8 °C, light-protected

Storage (reconstituted)

2 to 8 °C, use within 4 weeks

CoA

Batch-specific, third-party (Janoshik)

Lab Report (COA)

Batch Numberyellow cap

Purity99.13%

Testing LabJanoshik

Test Date3 Nov 2025

Download COA

Selected research

Research use only

This material is sold strictly for in-vitro research and laboratory use. Not intended for human or animal consumption, medical, cosmetic, or household applications. Suitable only for professional laboratory environments.