MOTS-c explained: the 16-amino-acid mitochondrial-derived peptide

MOTS-c is a 16-amino-acid peptide encoded within the mitochondrial genome, in a short open reading frame of the 12S rRNA gene. The name stands for “mitochondrial open reading frame of the 12S rRNA type-c”. It was first described in the scientific literature in 2015 and belongs to a group known as mitochondrial-derived peptides. This guide covers its identifiers, its sequence and what to check in the documentation for the synthetic research material.

MOTS-c at a glance

What is a mitochondrial-derived peptide?

Most peptides and proteins are encoded by genes in the cell nucleus. Mitochondria carry their own small genome, and a handful of short peptides have been identified as being encoded there. These are grouped as mitochondrial-derived peptides. MOTS-c is one of them: its coding sequence sits inside the gene for the mitochondrial 12S ribosomal RNA.

The material supplied for laboratory work is not extracted from cells. It is made by chemical peptide synthesis to match the published 16-residue sequence.

What does the sequence mean for handling and identity?

The sequence fixes the expected mass, approximately 2174.6 g/mol, which is what a mass spectrometry result should be consistent with.

The sequence also contains two methionine residues and one tryptophan. In peptide chemistry these residues are the ones most often associated with oxidation, so keeping vials sealed and stored as the documentation directs is sensible general practice. See storing and handling research peptides in the lab.

How is MOTS-c supplied by Ascend Research?

MOTS-c is supplied as a lyophilised powder in 10mg and 40mg vials, dispatched from within Australia. It also appears, in its own separate vial, in the [3V] NAD+ + MOTS-c + SS-31 Research Set and the [3V] Thymosin Alpha-1 + Thymalin + MOTS-c Research Set.

What should the documentation show?

• The compound name and batch number match the vial label.
• An HPLC purity figure.
• A mass result consistent with approximately 2174.6 g/mol.
• The appearance of the material and the date of analysis.

Batch documents are on the COAs page. See also how to read a peptide certificate of analysis.

Frequently asked questions

What does MOTS-c stand for?

MOTS-c stands for mitochondrial open reading frame of the 12S rRNA type-c, describing where its coding sequence is found in the mitochondrial genome.

What is the CAS number for MOTS-c?

The CAS number for MOTS-c is 1627580-64-6.

How many amino acids are in MOTS-c?

Sixteen. The sequence is Met-Arg-Trp-Gln-Glu-Met-Gly-Tyr-Ile-Phe-Tyr-Pro-Arg-Lys-Leu-Arg.

What is the molecular weight of MOTS-c?

Approximately 2174.6 g/mol, with the molecular formula C101H152N28O22S2.

Is research-grade MOTS-c extracted from mitochondria?

No. The research material is produced by chemical peptide synthesis to match the published sequence.

All Ascend Research products are sold strictly for laboratory research use only. They are not for human or animal use, and nothing in this article is medical advice.

The Ascend Research team