MOTS-c: a mitochondrial-derived peptide

MOTS-c (mitochondrial open reading frame of the twelve S rRNA type-c) is one of a small family of mitochondrial-derived peptides. Unlike most peptides, which are encoded by nuclear DNA, MOTS-c is encoded within the mitochondrial genome itself — an unusual origin that has made it a distinctive subject of cellular research.

What a mitochondrial-derived peptide is

Mitochondria carry their own small circle of DNA, separate from the nucleus. A handful of short peptides, MOTS-c among them, are encoded there. This places MOTS-c in a young and actively studied class of molecules that appear to act as signals between the mitochondria and the rest of the cell, rather than as classic receptor-binding peptides.

Why researchers study MOTS-c

In the published research literature, MOTS-c has been investigated for its role in cellular metabolism and the way cells respond to energetic stress in laboratory models. Researchers examine how it relates to metabolic-regulation pathways and mitochondrial signalling, which is why it appears frequently in studies of energy balance and cellular ageing. It is often examined alongside other mitochondrial research subjects such as NAD+ and SS-31; our article on mitochondrial peptides places the three in context.

Form and reconstitution

MOTS-c is supplied as a lyophilised powder, reconstituted with bacteriostatic water before use — the freeze-dried form is far more stable than a solution. Every Vela order ships with a free 3 mL vial of bacteriostatic water, and our reconstitution guide covers the standard method.

Documented quality

Every MOTS-c batch is supplied with a certificate of analysis issued within six months of sale, documenting identity and purity for reproducible work.