Most peptides in a research catalog are synthetic designs or fragments of well-known proteins. MOTS-c is stranger and more interesting: it is encoded inside the mitochondrial genome itself, which made its discovery a small landmark in cell biology.
What MOTS-c is
MOTS-c (mitochondrial open reading frame of the 12S rRNA type-c) is a 16-amino-acid peptide encoded within the 12S ribosomal RNA region of mitochondrial DNA. It belongs to the small family of mitochondrial-derived peptides, molecules translated from short open reading frames that classical genetics long assumed were silent.
What the literature documents
The published record centers on cellular metabolism: studies describe MOTS-c in the context of metabolic homeostasis, skeletal muscle biology, and exercise physiology, with work in cell culture and animal models dominating the evidence base. Researchers have also examined how its levels change with age and physical activity in observational human data. The honest summary is the usual one for this field: the cell biology is well described, the applied evidence remains early, and no MOTS-c product is an approved drug.
Why researchers care
Because a peptide encoded by the mitochondrion that participates in metabolic signaling connects two of the busiest areas in current biology: mitochondrial function and metabolic regulation. That intersection keeps MOTS-c in the literature, and keeps it in research catalogs like this one.
In our catalog
We stock MOTS-c (10mg) as a lyophilized research compound. Specifications are on the product page, and every vial carries a printed lot number tied to our public COA ledger; lots awaiting certification are labeled pending. For adjacent reading, see our overview of why research peptides ship lyophilized.
Quick answers
What makes MOTS-c different from other peptides here? It is encoded in mitochondrial DNA rather than being a synthetic design or a fragment of a nuclear-encoded protein.
Is there human clinical evidence? Human data is largely observational; interventional evidence remains early and preclinical work dominates. No MOTS-c product is an approved drug.
How do I verify a lot? Match the lot number on the label against the COA ledger.
For laboratory and in-vitro research use only.
For laboratory and in-vitro research use only. Not for human or veterinary use. See our research-use disclaimer.
