MOTS-c is a naturally encoded 16-amino-acid mitochondrial-derived peptide (MDP), transcribed from the open reading frame within the mitochondrial 12S rRNA gene. It serves as a critical mitochondrial retrograde signaling molecule, transmitting biological signals from mitochondria to the cell nucleus to regulate gene expression and cellular metabolic homeostasis. First identified in 2015, MOTS-c has rapidly become a core research tool for exploring mitochondrial biology, energy metabolism, insulin sensitivity and cellular stress response.

The primary research focus of MOTS-c centers on the activation of AMPK/PGC-1α signaling axis. In preclinical cell and animal models, MOTS-c can trigger AMPK activation, promote mitochondrial biogenesis, enhance glucose uptake and improve insulin sensitivity. It also interferes with folate cycle and de novo purine synthesis pathways to reprogram cellular metabolism. Widely described as an exercise-mimetic peptide in academic literature, it is applied to investigate adaptive metabolic changes induced by physical activity, fat oxidation and skeletal muscle energy homeostasis.

Beyond metabolic research, MOTS-c is also studied for its regulatory effects on inflammation, oxidative stress defense and senescence-related pathways. It modulates the expression of antioxidant proteins to reduce reactive oxygen species accumulation and regulates inflammatory cytokine release under cellular injury conditions. Research groups also utilize MOTS-c to explore the crosstalk between mitochondrial dysfunction and age-related metabolic disorders.

Our MOTS-c peptide is synthesized by solid-phase peptide synthesis (SPPS). Crude peptide is purified with preparative HPLC to remove truncated peptide fragments, residual protecting groups and related impurities. Each batch undergoes mass spectrometry (MS) for molecular identity verification, paired with HPLC purity testing. Additional quality control includes moisture detection, residual solvent analysis, heavy metal screening and microbial limit test. Batch-specific COA documents with HPLC chromatogram and MS spectrum can be provided upon request. The lyophilized formulation greatly stabilizes the peptide structure during shipment and long-term cold storage. Once reconstituted, aliquot the peptide solution immediately; short-term storage is 2–8°C, while long-term preservation requires -20°C. Repeated freeze-thaw cycles will induce peptide degradation and aggregation and should be strictly avoided.