MOTS-c: research summary
For laboratory research use only. Not for human or veterinary use. This page summarises published literature. It gives no advice on use.
What the literature covers
MOTS-c is a 16-residue peptide encoded by a short open reading frame inside the mitochondrial 12S rRNA gene. It is one of the "mitochondrial-derived peptides", a class of signalling peptides encoded by mitochondrial DNA.
Published studies report that MOTS-c can move into the nucleus under metabolic stress and regulate nuclear gene expression, and that its levels change with exercise in model systems. Much of the work has been done in mice and in cultured cells.
MOTS-c has a molecular weight of about 2174.6 g/mol. Because it contains methionine and cysteine, it is sensitive to oxidation, so storing it dry and cold matters.
Key facts
| MOTS-c | SS-31 | |
|---|---|---|
| CAS | 1627580-64-6 | 736992-21-5 |
| Formula | C101H152N28O22S2 | C32H49N9O5 |
| Molecular weight (g/mol) | 2174.6 | 639.8 |
Source: PubChem CID 146675088.
MOTS-c compared with SS-31
MOTS-c and SS-31 are both studied in mitochondrial biology, but they are very different. MOTS-c is a naturally encoded 16-residue peptide that signals to the nucleus. SS-31 is a synthetic tetrapeptide that targets the inner mitochondrial membrane and binds cardiolipin-containing lipid bilayers.
Full side-by-side: MOTS-c vs SS-31 · SS-31 research summary
Frequently asked questions
- Where is MOTS-c encoded?
- In the mitochondrial genome, within the 12S rRNA region. That is why it is called a mitochondrial-derived peptide.
- How long is MOTS-c?
- 16 amino acids, with formula C101H152N28O22S2 (PubChem CID 146675088).
- Why is MOTS-c sensitive to storage conditions?
- It contains methionine and cysteine residues, which can oxidise. Keep it lyophilised, cold and dry.
Published literature cited
- Lee C, Kim KH, Cohen P. (2016). MOTS-c: A novel mitochondrial-derived peptide regulating muscle and fat metabolism. Free Radic Biol Med. PMID 27216708 · doi:10.1016/j.freeradbiomed.2016.05.015
- Kim KH, Son JM, Benayoun BA, Lee C. (2018). The Mitochondrial-Encoded Peptide MOTS-c Translocates to the Nucleus to Regulate Nuclear Gene Expression in Response to Metabolic Stress. Cell Metab. PMID 29983246 · doi:10.1016/j.cmet.2018.06.008
- Reynolds JC, Lai RW, Woodhead JST, Joly JH, Mitchell CJ, Cameron-Smith D, Lu R, Cohen P, Graham NA, Benayoun BA, Merry TL, Lee C. (2021). MOTS-c is an exercise-induced mitochondrial-encoded regulator of age-dependent physical decline and muscle homeostasis. Nat Commun. PMID 33473109 · doi:10.1038/s41467-020-20790-0
Every citation was looked up by PMID in Europe PMC (MEDLINE) on 2026-10-14 and its title matched. Citation means the paper exists and is relevant to the compound. It does not mean the paper supports any use.