History

MOTS-c was first described in 2015 following the discovery of short open reading frames encoded within mitochondrial DNA. Identified as a peptide regulator of metabolic signaling, it has since been studied for its ability to activate AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) pathways and support cellular stress resistance. This discovery expanded the understanding of mitochondria as signaling organelles beyond energy production, positioning MOTS-c as a key peptide in mitochondrial biology research.

Lee C., Yen K., Cohen P. (2016).

MOTS-c

CAS #: 1627580-64-6

Molecular Formula: C₁₄₉H₂₆₀N₄₆O₄₆S₂

Molecular Weight: 2171.5 g/mol

PubChem ID: 91808068

Research Findings

MOTS-c has been studied in metabolic, cellular, and systemic models, with research highlighting its role in mitochondrial function, energy regulation, and metabolic balance. Studies also report activity in glucose utilization, insulin sensitivity, and cellular stress responses in preclinical settings.

Key Areas of Research:

• Metabolic: glucose, insulin, energy balance

• Cellular: mitochondrial function, stress response, repair

• Systemic: protection, recovery, resilience8

Together, these findings suggest broad experimental potential for MOTS-c across metabolic, cellular, and systemic pathways. By engaging mitochondrial biology and modulating energy and stress responses, MOTS-c provides a versatile platform for research into metabolic regulation, cellular recovery, and systemic health in laboratory models.

Lee C. et al., 2015

References

Lee C. et al. (2015). MOTS-c: a mitochondrial-encoded regulator of metabolism and stress response. Cell Metab, 21(3):443–454.

Lee C., Yen K., Cohen P. (2016). Mitochondrial peptides as novel regulators of metabolism. J Physiol, 594(15):5375–5381.

Zhu S. et al. (2017). MOTS-c enhances metabolic homeostasis and mitochondrial function in laboratory models. Aging Cell, 16(5): 968–977.

Kim K.H. et al. (2018). MOTS-c and exercise-induced mitochondrial signaling. J Mol Med, 96(7): 699–709.