At a glance
- Class
- Mitochondrial-derived peptide
- Receptor targets
- AMPK signalling (mechanism proposed, not settled)
- Length
- 16 amino acids
- Molecular mass
- ≈ 2.17 kDa
- Origin
- Encoded in mitochondrial DNA, produced synthetically
- Research area
- Mitochondrial & metabolic ageing
- Also known as
- Mitochondrial open reading frame of the 12S rRNA-c
What MOTS-c is
MOTS-c comes from a short open reading frame inside the mitochondrial 12S rRNA gene, which made it one of the first examples of a mitochondrial-derived peptide with signalling activity. It belongs to the same family as humanin.
The original mouse studies linked it to metabolic regulation through AMPK, and later work reported that it can move to the nucleus under stress. Human data are mostly observational, for example how circulating levels change with exercise and age.
What the research literature studies
- AMPK activation and glucose handling in cell models
- Mitochondria-to-nucleus signalling under metabolic stress
- Changes in endogenous levels with exercise and age in human observational work
Evidence rating: 2/5
Mostly animal and in vitro. Mouse and cell studies plus a few small observational human studies. See our methodology for how levels are assigned.
- No completed human interventional trials of MOTS-c itself.
- A large share of the foundational work comes from a small number of groups, and independent replication is limited.
Regulatory status
MOTS-c is not an approved medicine with the MHRA, EMA or FDA. Research-grade material must not be used in people or animals.
Reviewed November 2026.
MOTS-c at Nordapep: sizes and price per mg
Every size, its price and the cost per milligram, so you can choose the best-value vial for your protocol.
Not currently listed at Nordapep.
Compare MOTS-c
MOTS-c FAQ
Is MOTS-c made from nuclear DNA?
No. It is encoded in mitochondrial DNA, in a short reading frame within the 12S rRNA gene.
How does MOTS-c differ from SS-31?
MOTS-c is a natural peptide encoded by mitochondrial DNA. SS-31 (elamipretide) is a synthetic tetrapeptide designed to bind the inner mitochondrial membrane. See the comparison page.
Where can I buy MOTS-c for research?
Nordapep does not currently list MOTS-c. You can ask Nordapep about availability, or compare related compounds that are in stock.
Is MOTS-c approved?
MOTS-c is not an approved medicine with the MHRA, EMA or FDA. Research-grade material must not be used in people or animals.
Key terms for MOTS-c
Cite this page
peptide.wiki. (2026). MOTS-c: research peptide profile. peptide.wiki. https://www.peptide.wiki/peptides/mots-c