MOTS-c has become one of the most searched mitochondrial peptides among South African research labs, and it is one of the most requested compounds in the Biolabs range. If you have been searching for "MOTS-c South Africa", this guide gives you the essentials in one place: what MOTS-c is, its exact sequence and structure, what published laboratory research has looked at, which formats are available locally, and how to store and document it properly.
MOTS-c sits alongside SS-31 and other mitochondrial research peptides in our peptides South Africa collection.
What is MOTS-c?
MOTS-c stands for mitochondrial open reading frame of the twelve S rRNA type-c. It is a short peptide encoded not in the cell nucleus but inside the mitochondrial genome, within the gene for the 12S ribosomal RNA (the MT-RNR1 gene).
It was first described in 2015 by a research group at the University of Southern California (Lee et al., Cell Metabolism, 2015). That discovery placed MOTS-c in a small family known as mitochondrial-derived peptides (MDPs), alongside humanin. The idea that mitochondria carry short coding regions for signalling peptides is still a relatively young field, which is a big part of why MOTS-c attracts so much laboratory interest.
MOTS-c structure and specifications
MOTS-c is a linear peptide of 16 amino acids. The reference human sequence listed in the UniProt database (entry A0A0C5B5G6) is:
Met-Arg-Trp-Gln-Glu-Met-Gly-Tyr-Ile-Phe-Tyr-Pro-Arg-Lys-Leu-Arg
One-letter code: MRWQEMGYIFYPRKLR
Key specifications at a glance
- Length: 16 amino acids
- Approximate molecular weight: about 2,175 g/mol (average mass calculated from the sequence)
- Origin of the natural sequence: mitochondrial 12S rRNA gene (MT-RNR1)
- Research material: synthetic peptide made by solid-phase peptide synthesis, usually supplied as a lyophilised (freeze-dried) powder
- Charge profile: three arginines and one lysine give the peptide a net positive charge at neutral pH, which helps it dissolve readily in aqueous solutions
When you check a certificate of analysis for MOTS-c, the measured mass from mass spectrometry should sit close to the expected value for this sequence. A large difference is a red flag that the material may not be what the label says.
What has MOTS-c been studied for in the lab?
All of the published work below is preclinical, meaning it was done in cell culture and animal models. It is described here only as scientific background, not as evidence of any effect outside the laboratory.
Mitochondrial signalling and cellular metabolism
The original 2015 paper reported that MOTS-c acts on the folate cycle and the linked de novo purine synthesis pathway in cells, and that this was associated with activation of AMPK, an enzyme that senses cellular energy status. The same study examined metabolic markers in mouse models, and identified skeletal muscle as an apparent primary target tissue (Lee et al., 2015).
Mitochondria-to-nucleus communication
A 2018 study from the same group reported that, under metabolic stress such as glucose restriction in cell models, MOTS-c moved into the cell nucleus in an AMPK-dependent way and was associated with changes in the expression of a broad set of nuclear genes, including genes with antioxidant response elements. The authors interpreted this as evidence that the mitochondrial genome can encode factors that talk directly to the nuclear genome (Kim et al., Cell Metabolism, 2018).
Skeletal muscle research models
A 2021 paper in Nature Communications studied MOTS-c in relation to exercise and skeletal muscle in mouse models of different ages, and also reported measurements of naturally occurring MOTS-c in muscle and blood samples collected around exercise (Reynolds et al., 2021). Work like this is why MOTS-c often appears in research on how mitochondria and muscle tissue communicate.
These findings are early and come from controlled laboratory settings. They should not be read as proof of any outcome, and Biolabs makes no claims about effects in people or animals.
MOTS-c formats available in South Africa
Biolabs supplies MOTS-c from local stock in three research formats:
- MOTS-c lyophilised vial: 10 mg, 20 mg and 40 mg. Freeze-dried powder is the most stable format for longer-term storage and lets your lab choose its own reconstitution volume.
- MOTS-c Peptide Pen: 10 mg, 20 mg and 40 mg, supplied as a ready-made solution in a pre-filled pen cartridge, which saves preparation time.
- SS-31 + MOTS-c Peptide Pen: a 70 mg two-peptide blend (SS-31 50 mg and MOTS-c 20 mg) for labs working on mitochondrial research with both compounds. Stock on this blend varies, so check the product page for availability.
Not sure which format suits your protocol? Our guide to peptide pens vs vials compares stability, preparation time and cold-chain needs side by side. You can also browse every compound in the pre-filled peptide pens and peptide vials collections.
Storage and handling of MOTS-c
Lyophilised vials
- Store unopened vials at −20 °C for long-term storage, or at 2–8 °C for shorter periods.
- Keep them away from light and moisture. Lyophilised peptides are generally stable at room temperature for the length of normal courier transit.
- Let a cold vial reach room temperature before opening it, so condensation does not form on the powder.
Reconstitution
Labs usually reconstitute MOTS-c with sterile water or bacteriostatic water (0.9% benzyl alcohol). Add the diluent slowly down the inside wall of the vial and swirl gently rather than shaking. Store the reconstituted solution at 2–8 °C and follow your own validated stability protocol. Our bacteriostatic water guide explains the diluent options in more detail, and you will find diluents and hardware in reconstitution supplies.
Pre-filled pens
Pens hold peptide that is already in solution, so they need to stay refrigerated at 2–8 °C from the moment they arrive. Do not freeze them, and keep them out of direct sunlight.
Checking MOTS-c quality: the COA
Because MOTS-c is a synthetic peptide, the quality of each batch comes down to synthesis and purification. Before using any batch, check its certificate of analysis for:
- Batch number that matches the number printed on your vial or pen.
- HPLC purity, which shows what proportion of the material is the target peptide.
- Mass spectrometry (MS) identity, which confirms the measured molecular mass matches the expected mass for the MOTS-c sequence.
- Test date and laboratory details, so you know the testing was done by an independent lab.
Every Biolabs batch is tested by an independent laboratory, and the certificates are published on our COA page.
Buying MOTS-c in South Africa: what to look for
- Local stock: ordering from a supplier that ships from within South Africa means shorter transit times and no customs delays, which matters most for pens that need refrigeration.
- Published, batch-matched COAs: a supplier should show HPLC and MS results for the exact batch you receive.
- Correct sequence: the sequence on the COA should match the reference MOTS-c sequence above.
- Clear research-use labelling: a reputable supplier sells MOTS-c strictly for laboratory research.
Biolabs ships nationwide via tracked courier, with free delivery on South African orders over R2,500.
Frequently asked questions
Is MOTS-c a peptide or a protein?
MOTS-c is a peptide. At only 16 amino acids long it is far shorter than a typical protein.
Where does the natural MOTS-c sequence come from?
It is encoded within the mitochondrial 12S rRNA gene (MT-RNR1), which is why it is grouped with the mitochondrial-derived peptides.
What is the difference between the MOTS-c vial and the MOTS-c pen?
The compound is the same. The vial holds freeze-dried powder that your lab reconstitutes, while the pen holds a ready-made solution that must be kept refrigerated.
Is MOTS-c for human use?
No. MOTS-c from Biolabs is sold strictly for laboratory research use and is not for human or veterinary use.
Where can I find the COA for my MOTS-c batch?
Match the batch number on your vial or pen to the certificate on our COA page.
Sources
- Lee C, et al. Cell Metabolism. 2015;21(3):443-54. PubMed 25738459
- Kim KH, et al. Cell Metabolism. 2018;28(3):516-524. PubMed 29983246
- Reynolds JC, et al. Nature Communications. 2021. PubMed 33473109
- UniProt entry A0A0C5B5G6, Mitochondrial-derived peptide MOTS-c. UniProt
Research-use-only notice
All Biolabs products, including MOTS-c vials and pens, are sold strictly for laboratory research use only. They are not intended for human or veterinary use, are not medicines or supplements, and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any condition. The research summarised in this article is preclinical and is provided for educational purposes only. Nothing here is a claim of effect or a recommendation for use. Handle all research compounds in line with your institution's safety protocols.