MOTS-c (often searched as "MOTS c") is a 16-amino-acid mitochondrial-derived peptide encoded by a short open reading frame in the mitochondrial 12S rRNA gene rather than the nuclear genome, and it is studied in vitro as a probe of folate-cycle and AMPK signaling. This quick-reference profile collects the sequence, origin, identifiers and assay map for MOTS-c as a laboratory research material.
What are the MOTS-c sequence, formula and identifiers?
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Full name | Mitochondrial open reading frame of the 12S rRNA-c |
| Class | Mitochondrial-derived peptide (MDP) |
| Length | 16 amino acids (hexadecapeptide) |
| Sequence | Met-Arg-Trp-Gln-Glu-Met-Gly-Tyr-Ile-Phe-Tyr-Pro-Arg-Lys-Leu-Arg (MRWQEMGYIFYPRKLR) |
| Molecular formula | C101H152N28O22S2 |
| Molecular weight | 2174.6 g/mol (average) |
| CAS number | 1627580-64-6 |
| PubChem CID | 146675088 |
| Form supplied | Lyophilized powder, about 99% by HPLC |
| Vial sizes listed | 10 mg and 40 mg |
Where does MOTS-c come from?
Most cellular proteins are encoded in the nuclear genome. Mitochondrial-derived peptides are the exception: short peptides encoded by small open reading frames within mitochondrial DNA. MOTS-c comes from the 12S rRNA region, and other members of the class include humanin and the small humanin-like peptides (SHLPs). The material supplied for research is chemically synthesized, not extracted from tissue.
How is MOTS-c studied in vitro?
| Research question | Typical assay | Readout |
|---|---|---|
| AMPK pathway signaling | Immunoblot | Phospho-AMPK (Thr172) and phospho-ACC (Ser79) relative to total protein |
| Folate cycle and purine intermediates | LC-MS metabolomics | AICAR and related one-carbon and nucleotide intermediates |
| Mitochondrial respiration | Extracellular flux analysis | Oxygen consumption and extracellular acidification rates |
| Cellular energy status | ATP and AMP:ATP assays | Luminescence or LC-MS nucleotide ratios |
| Glucose handling in cultured cells | Fluorescent glucose-analog assay (2-NBDG) | Cellular fluorescence by plate reader or flow cytometry |
| Subcellular localization | Immunofluorescence or fractionation | Cytosolic versus nuclear signal under metabolic stress |
The signaling and metabolite experiments are laid out step by step in AMPK and folate-cycle assays for MOTS-c in vitro, and the wider respiration toolkit is covered in measuring mitochondrial function in vitro.
How are MOTS-c stock solutions prepared?
At 2174.6 g/mol, 1 mg/mL equals about 0.46 mM, so a 10 mg vial holds about 4.60 micromoles of peptide. The worked tables are in MOTS-c 10 mg vial: stock concentration math. For aqueous stocks, a suitable aqueous solvent such as Reconstitution Solution is a common choice; follow the solvent's own documentation and the solubility guidance on the certificate of analysis.
How do you verify MOTS-c identity and purity?
Pair HPLC purity with mass spectrometry. For this sequence the average-mass multiply charged ions are expected near m/z 1088.3 ([M+2H]2+), 725.9 ([M+3H]3+) and 544.7 ([M+4H]4+). The full checklist is in sourcing MOTS-c as a research material: COA and purity.
How does MOTS-c differ from SS-31?
MOTS-c is a 16-residue peptide whose reported activity is signaling-oriented, while SS-31 is a synthetic tetrapeptide associated with the inner mitochondrial membrane. The side-by-side comparison is in MOTS-c vs SS-31: two mitochondria-directed peptides.
Related research guides
- Mitochondria-targeting research compounds: an in-vitro overview
- Mitochondrial metabolism in vitro: methods and readouts
- A researcher's guide to SS-31 (elamipretide)
- SS-31 and the inner mitochondrial membrane
Research-use note
All materials discussed are supplied for in vitro laboratory research use only, and are not for human or animal use.
