MOTS-C

Description

MOTS-C (Mitochondrial Derived Peptide) Overview

MOTS-c is a 16 amino acid peptide encoded by a short open reading frame within the mitochondrial 12S ribosomal RNA gene. It was described by Lee and colleagues in Cell Metabolism in 2015, following the earlier identification of humanin, as evidence that mitochondrial DNA encodes signalling peptides as well as respiratory chain components. That origin, in the mitochondrial genome rather than the nuclear genome, is the defining feature of the mitochondrial derived peptide class.

In that original report the peptide’s primary target organ appeared to be skeletal muscle, and its cellular actions were described as inhibiting the folate cycle and the de novo purine biosynthesis tethered to it, leading to activation of AMP activated protein kinase (AMPK). This mitochondrial to nuclear signalling route is what makes MOTS-c a subject of study in metabolic research.

Regulatory status

MOTS-c is not an approved medicine in Canada, the United States or elsewhere, and there is no brand name product containing it. It is a research chemical with no marketing authorization anywhere, and it is not supplied for any medical purpose.

Technical Specifications

• Peptide name: MOTS-c
• Amino acid sequence: Met-Arg-Trp-Gln-Glu-Met-Gly-Tyr-Ile-Phe-Tyr-Pro-Arg-Lys-Leu-Arg (MRWQEMGYIFYPRKLR)
• CAS number: 1627580-64-6
• Molecular formula: C101H152N28O22S2 (free peptide)
• Molar mass: 2174.6 g/mol
• UNII: A5CV6JFB78
• Purity: greater than or equal to 99.0 percent (determined by HPLC)
• Appearance: White lyophilized powder
• Solubility: Soluble in sterile water

Research Context

Findings below come from Lee and colleagues, Cell Metabolism 2015 (volume 21, pages 443 to 454), and are stated at the evidence level the authors used:

• Folate cycle and purine biosynthesis (cellular studies): the reported cellular action of MOTS-c is inhibition of the folate cycle and of the de novo purine biosynthesis pathway tethered to it.
• AMPK activation (cellular studies): that inhibition was reported to lead to activation of AMP activated protein kinase, a kinase that responds to cellular energy state.
• Skeletal muscle (animal study): skeletal muscle was identified as the apparent primary target organ.
• Mouse metabolic models (animal study): in mice, treatment was reported to prevent age dependent and high fat diet induced insulin resistance, and diet induced obesity. These are findings in mice. They are not evidence of any effect in a person, and no such effect is claimed here.

Storage and Handling

• Lyophilized powder: store at minus 20 degrees Celsius (minus 4 degrees Fahrenheit) for up to 36 months, sealed and protected from light and moisture.
• Reconstituted solution: store at 4 degrees Celsius (39 degrees Fahrenheit), protected from light, for up to 14 days. For longer term storage of solutions, divide into aliquots and freeze at minus 20 degrees Celsius to avoid repeated freeze and thaw cycles.
• Handling: standard laboratory safety practice applies. This product is for laboratory research use only and not for human consumption.

Testing and Quality Control

Every batch of MOTS-c undergoes:

1. HPLC (high performance liquid chromatography): purity reported as greater than or equal to 99.0 percent.
2. MS (mass spectrometry): confirms the molecular mass expected for the 16 residue sequence.
3. Solubility check: confirms consistent reconstitution.

HPLC and mass spectrometry characterize chemical purity and identity. They do not measure biological activity, and no potency testing is performed or implied.

For laboratory research use only. Not for human or veterinary use.

Further reading

• Is NAD+ a peptide?
• How to store peptides: lyophilized vs reconstituted

Additional information