MOTS-c Research Peptide: A Mitochondrial-Derived Peptide for Metabolic & Aging Studies

If your research investigates mitochondrial biology, metabolic regulation, or the molecular mechanisms of aging, MOTS-c research peptide offers a precisely defined and increasingly well-characterised synthetic tool. MOTS-c (mitochondrial open reading frame of the 12S rRNA type-c) is a 16‑amino‑acid peptide encoded within the mitochondrial genome. Unlike most proteins, which are encoded by nuclear genes, MOTS-c is produced within mitochondria and acts as a signalling peptide that communicates mitochondrial status to the rest of the cell. It regulates metabolic homeostasis, stress responses, and cell survival, with expression levels declining with age. This makes MOTS-c research peptide a valuable tool for laboratories investigating mitochondrial dysfunction, metabolic disorders, and age-related pathologies.

At Wuhan Top Miracle Peptides, we supply high‑purity MOTS-c research peptide to research institutions and wholesale buyers across the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Spain, Sweden, Italy, and the USA. Every batch is lyophilised, HPLC‑verified to ≥98% purity, and accompanied by a Certificate of Analysis (COA), ensuring your investigations into mitochondrial signalling, metabolism, and aging begin with uncompromising quality.

What Is MOTS-c and How Does It Work?

To fully appreciate the research potential of MOTS-c research peptide, it is essential to understand its unique origin and the precise mechanisms by which it exerts its effects.

The 16‑Amino‑Acid Mitochondrial Peptide

MOTS-c is a synthetic peptide corresponding to the 16‑amino‑acid sequence encoded within the mitochondrial 12S ribosomal RNA gene. Its sequence is H‑Met‑Arg‑Trp‑Gln‑Glu‑Met‑Gly‑Tyr‑Ile‑Phe‑Tyr‑Pro‑Arg‑Lys‑Leu‑Arg‑OH (MRWQEMGYIFYPRKLR). The peptide has a molecular formula of C₁₀₁H₁₅₂N₂₈O₂₂S₂ and a molecular weight of approximately 2174.59 Da. It has a CAS number of 1627580-64-6.

The peptide is highly conserved across species and is detectable in various tissues and in circulation. Its expression is regulated by metabolic state, such as fasting, and declines with age.

Mechanism of Action: The Folate‑AICAR‑AMPK Pathway

The biological activity of MOTS-c research peptide is primarily mediated through the Folate‑AICAR‑AMPK pathway:

• Folate Cycle Inhibition: MOTS‑c inhibits the folate cycle at the level of 5‑methyltetrahydrofolate (5‑MeTHF), leading to the accumulation of the metabolic intermediate AICAR (5‑aminoimidazole‑4‑carboxamide ribonucleotide).

• AMPK Activation: AICAR is a potent AMP mimetic that activates AMP‑activated protein kinase (AMPK). This activation promotes glucose uptake, fatty acid oxidation, and mitochondrial biogenesis.

• Metabolic Reprogramming: MOTS‑c increases cellular NAD+ levels, enhances the expression of GLUT4 (a key glucose transporter), and increases the levels of carnitine shuttle components that transport fatty acids into mitochondria for β‑oxidation.

• Nuclear Signalling: MOTS‑c is significantly expressed in response to stress or exercise and is translocated to the nucleus, where it regulates the expression of stress adaptation‑related genes with antioxidant response elements (ARE).

Research Note: An “Exercise‑Mimetic” Peptide

MOTS‑c is considered an “exercise‑mimetic” because it can improve glucose uptake in skeletal muscle and enhance insulin sensitivity without requiring insulin. In healthy young individuals, a single session of high‑intensity interval training can increase muscle MOTS‑c levels by up to 5‑fold. Conversely, MOTS‑c levels in human blood decline with age: levels in the elderly (70‑81 years) are approximately 21% lower than in younger individuals.

Key Research Applications for MOTS‑c

MOTS-c research peptide is a versatile tool with applications spanning several domains of biomedical research.

1. Metabolic Disorders & Insulin Sensitivity Research

The most extensively studied application of MOTS‑c lies in its role as a metabolic regulator. Research has demonstrated:

• Insulin Sensitivity Enhancement: MOTS‑c treatment in mice prevents age‑dependent and high‑fat‑diet‑induced insulin resistance.

• Obesity Prevention: MOTS‑c prevents diet‑induced obesity and reduces obesity in mouse models.

• Glucose Homeostasis: MOTS‑c promotes glucose uptake in skeletal muscle and improves systemic glucose regulation.

• Clinical Translation: A Phase 2a clinical trial (MOTS‑MET) is currently evaluating whether 12 weeks of MOTS‑c treatment improves insulin sensitivity in adults with prediabetes and overweight/obesity.

2. Mitochondrial Dysfunction & Bioenergetics Research

MOTS‑c is a direct modulator of mitochondrial function, making it a valuable tool for studying mitochondrial biology:

• Mitochondrial Biogenesis: MOTS‑c activates mitochondrial biogenesis through the PGC‑1α/AMPK pathway.

• Cardioprotection: MOTS‑c preserves mitochondrial functional integrity and improves cardiac recovery following ischemia‑reperfusion injury in rat models.

• Mitochondrial Bioenergetics: MOTS‑c improves intrinsic muscle mitochondrial bioenergetic health and efficiency.

3. Aging & Senescence Research

MOTS‑c levels decline with age, and its restoration has been shown to reverse age‑related metabolic decline:

• Pancreatic Islet Cell Senescence: MOTS‑c treatment reduces pancreatic islet cell senescence and improves glucose intolerance in aged mouse models.

• Age‑Related Physical Decline: MOTS‑c is an exercise‑induced mitochondrial‑encoded regulator of age‑dependent physical decline and muscle homeostasis.

• Sarcopenia Research: Higher MOTS‑c blood levels in older adults correlate with better muscle function and strength.

4. Neuroprotection & Neurodegenerative Research

Emerging research has explored MOTS‑c’s neuroprotective properties:

• Dopaminergic Neurons: MOTS‑c interacts with Nrf2 to protect dopaminergic neurons against rotenone exposure.

• Diabetic Neuropathy: MOTS‑c treatment improves streptozotocin‑induced painful diabetic neuropathy through AMPK/PGC‑1α‑mediated mitochondrial biogenesis.

5. Inflammatory & Osteoarthritis Research

MOTS‑c exerts anti‑inflammatory and antioxidant effects:

• Osteoarthritis: MOTS‑c attenuates mitochondrial dysfunction, inhibits inflammatory body activation, and rescues chondrocyte pyroptosis in osteoarthritis models.

• Cartilage Protection: MOTS‑c regulates the metabolic balance of extracellular matrix (ECM) in cartilage.

Chemical & Physical Specifications

Accurate characterisation of MOTS-c research peptide is essential for reproducible experimental design.

Note: The peptide is typically supplied as a TFA or acetate salt, which enhances aqueous solubility. The acetate salt form has a molecular formula of C₁₀₃H₁₅₆N₂₈O₂₄S₂ and a molecular weight of approximately 2234.64 Da.

Reconstitution & Handling Protocol for MOTS‑c

Proper reconstitution of MOTS-c research peptide is critical for maintaining its structural integrity and biological activity.

Step 1 – Preparation

• Bring the sealed MOTS‑c vial and your chosen diluent (sterile bacteriostatic water or sterile PBS, pH 5‑7) to room temperature. Condensation can degrade the lyophilised powder.

• Clean your work surface with 70% ethanol and lay out sterile syringes, alcohol wipes and a clean work mat.

Step 2 – Vial Sanitisation

• Wipe the rubber stopper of the MOTS‑c vial with a fresh 70% ethanol wipe. Allow the alcohol to evaporate completely before piercing.

Step 3 – Reconstitution

• Draw your desired volume of diluent into a sterile syringe. A common starting concentration for research applications is 1‑2 mg per 1 mL of diluent.

• Insert the needle and slowly inject the diluent against the inner glass wall. Do not spray directly onto the lyophilised powder.

• Gently swirl the vial until the solution is clear and fully dissolved. Do not shake vigorously, as shaking can cause denaturation.

Step 4 – Aliquoting & Storage

• Immediately after dissolution, aliquot the reconstituted MOTS‑c into single‑use sterile vials.

• Store aliquots at –20°C. Avoid repeated freeze‑thaw cycles, as peptides are susceptible to degradation.

• Once thawed, store at 2‑8°C and use within a short period.

Concentration Reference Table

Adjust diluent volume based on your experimental requirements. For cell culture applications, typical working concentrations range from 10‑100 µM.

Storage & Stability Guidelines

Why Choose Wuhan Top Miracle Peptides for MOTS‑c?

As an authentic licensed peptide supplier based in the United Kingdom, we supply MOTS-c research peptide and a wide range of research‑grade compounds under rigorous quality assurance protocols, fully aligned with Google’s E‑E‑A‑T standards (Experience, Expertise, Authoritativeness, Trustworthiness).

• Verified Purity: Independent HPLC analysis with purity guaranteed ≥98% for every batch.

• GMP‑Compliant Manufacturing: All peptides are synthesised in ISO 13485:2016 and GMP‑certified facilities, ensuring batch‑to‑batch consistency.

• Full Traceability: Batch‑specific Certificates of Analysis (COA) are available for every order.

• Wholesale Supply: We serve research institutions, laboratories, and wholesale buyers across the UK, EU, and USA with flexible volume pricing and reliable logistics.

• UK‑Based Regulatory Compliance: All products are supplied strictly as research‑grade chemicals for laboratory use only (RUO).

Researchers across the United Kingdom—including those at leading institutions in London, Cambridge, Oxford, Manchester, and Edinburgh—trust us for fast domestic delivery, transparent documentation and professional technical support.

FAQ: MOTS‑c Research Peptide

What is MOTS‑c research 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 acts as a mitochondrial‑derived signalling peptide that regulates metabolic homeostasis, stress responses, and cell survival through the Folate‑AICAR‑AMPK pathway.

 What is the sequence and molecular weight of MOTS‑c?
The sequence is H‑Met‑Arg‑Trp‑Gln‑Glu‑Met‑Gly‑Tyr‑Ile‑Phe‑Tyr‑Pro‑Arg‑Lys‑Leu‑Arg‑OH (MRWQEMGYIFYPRKLR). Its molecular weight is approximately 2174.59 Da.

What are the primary research applications for MOTS‑c?
MOTS‑c is used in metabolic disorders and insulin sensitivity research, mitochondrial dysfunction and bioenergetics studies, aging and senescence research, neuroprotection and neurodegenerative research, and inflammatory and osteoarthritis research.

What is the mechanism of action of MOTS‑c?
MOTS‑c inhibits the folate cycle, leading to AICAR accumulation, which activates AMPK. This promotes glucose uptake, fatty acid oxidation, and mitochondrial biogenesis. MOTS‑c also translocates to the nucleus to regulate stress adaptation genes.

What purity does your MOTS‑c research peptide meet?
Our MOTS‑c is tested to ≥98% purity by HPLC. A Certificate of Analysis (COA) is supplied with every order.

How should I reconstitute MOTS‑c?
Reconstitute with sterile bacteriostatic water or sterile PBS (pH 5‑7). Allow the vial to reach room temperature, then slowly inject the diluent against the inner glass wall and swirl gently. Do not shake.

How should I store reconstituted MOTS‑c?
Reconstituted MOTS‑c should be stored at 2‑8°C for short‑term use. For longer storage, aliquot immediately into single‑use vials and store at –20°C for up to 3 months. Avoid repeated freeze‑thaw cycles.

Is MOTS‑c research peptide legal to purchase in the UK?
Yes. MOTS‑c is a laboratory reagent sold for research use only (RUO). It is fully legal to purchase, possess, and use in the United Kingdom for legitimate in‑vitro or in‑vivo scientific research, provided it is not marketed with therapeutic claims.

Does Wuhan Top Miracle Peptides ship internationally?
Yes. We ship across the EU (France, Germany, Spain, Sweden, Italy) and to the USA from our UK warehouse. Wholesale pricing is available for bulk orders.

Wholesale MOTS-C Supply Across the UK and Europe

Wuhan Top Miracle Peptides supports wholesale peptide buyers in the United Kingdom and international markets.

We Support Enquiries From:

• United Kingdom
• France
• Germany
• Spain
• Sweden
• Italy
• USA
• Wider Europe

For larger MOTS-C enquiries, contact our team before ordering. This helps confirm stock, documentation, shipping options, and buyer verification requirements.

Where to Source MOTS-C Peptide in the UK

If you are searching for where to source MOTS-C peptide in the UK, Wuhan Top Miracle Peptides provides a simple professional enquiry process.

Professional Enquiry Process

1. Review the MOTS-C product details.
2. Check the current label and batch information.
3. Confirm whether the batch is listed as MOTS-C, MOTS-c, mitochondrial-derived peptide, or another verified identity.
4. Ask about COA and purity-related documentation.
5. Confirm your shipping country.
6. Discuss wholesale quantity requirements.
7. Complete buyer verification where required.
8. Place a professional enquiry with support from our team.

 

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From its discovery as a mitochondrial‑encoded signalling peptide to its well‑characterised role in the Folate‑AICAR‑AMPK pathway, MOTS-c research peptide provides a precisely defined platform for advanced mitochondrial and metabolic research. Its ability to regulate glucose homeostasis, enhance insulin sensitivity, promote mitochondrial biogenesis, and modulate aging‑related pathways—supported by peer‑reviewed studies published in Cell Metabolism, Nature, Experimental & Molecular Medicine, and the Journal of Translational Medicine—makes it a valuable addition to any laboratory investigating mitochondrial dysfunction, metabolic disorders, or the biology of aging. By choosing high‑purity, lab‑verified MOTS-c research peptide from Wuhan Top Miracle Peptides, you ensure that your research is built on a foundation of quality, reproducibility, and scientific integrity.

Ready to advance your research with MOTS‑c? Browse our product catalogue, request a wholesale quote, or contact our support team today to discuss your laboratory’s specific needs. Place your order now and receive GMP‑grade MOTS‑c delivered directly to your facility in the UK, EU, or USA.