MOTS-C 2mg — Vial Spec, Reconstitution Math & COA

Overview and Specifications of the MOTS-c 2mg Research Vial

A 2mg vial of MOTS-c contains 2.0 milligrams of high-purity, lyophilized mitochondrial-derived peptide (MDP) packaged under an inert nitrogen atmosphere. MOTS-c is a naturally occurring 16-amino-acid peptide (Met-Arg-Trp-Gln-Glu-Met-Gly-Tyr-Ile-Phe-Tyr-Pro-Arg-Lys-Leu-Arg) encoded within the 12S ribosomal RNA gene of the mitochondrial genome. Laboratory investigators typically select the 2mg format for low-throughput screening, pilot stability testing, or short-duration rodent assays where minimizing reconstituted storage time is critical to maintaining peptide integrity.

While PX1 Research offers a comprehensive selection across our all-peptides catalog, researchers requiring immediate ordering of this target compound can review our core product listing on the primary MOTS-c product page. When specific research protocols call for alternative mass units such as 5mg or 10mg fills, PX1 supplies these standard configurations directly from our ISO 17025-accredited distribution hubs. For specialized pilot studies requiring exact 2mg unit runs, research teams often coordinate custom fills or calculate precise aliquots from standard inventory.

Biological Role: Mitochondrial Peptides and Metabolic Signaling

MOTS-c functions as a signaling molecule that translocates to the cell nucleus during metabolic stress, regulating nuclear gene expression and cellular energy balance. As a mitochondrial-derived peptide, it plays a central role in modulating metabolic homeostasis, insulin responsiveness, and fatty acid oxidation. Preclinical studies suggest that MOTS-c targets the folate cycle and purine biosynthesis pathways, ultimately leading to the activation of 5'-AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK).

In cell culture models and rodent investigations, researchers examine MOTS-c for its capacity to promote metabolic flexibility and enhance physical performance parameters. In vitro data indicate that treating skeletal muscle cells with MOTS-c increases glucose uptake independent of classical insulin pathways. Furthermore, animal models subjected to high-fat diets demonstrate preserved metabolic efficiency and reduced weight gain when exposed to exogenous MOTS-c, making it a pivotal target in metabolic syndrome and exercise-capacity research. You can explore further signaling assays in our dedicated research library hub.

Reconstitution Stoichiometry: 1mL, 2mL, and 3mL Diluent Volume Math

Accurate reconstitution is essential for achieving precise concentrations in cell culture media or parenteral animal administration solutions. When working with a 2mg (2,000 micrograms) lyophilized cake of MOTS-c, adding precise volumes of Bacteriostatic Water (0.9% benzyl alcohol) or Sterile Normal Saline yields predictable working concentrations.

To calculate working concentration ($C$), divide the total peptide mass ($M = 2,000\ \mu\text{g}$) by the diluent volume ($V$):

1. **1.0 mL Diluent Addition:** Yields a concentration of $2.0\ \text{mg/mL}$ ($2,000\ \mu\text{g/mL}$). Each $0.1\ \text{mL}$ ($100\ \mu\text{L}$) volume drawn contains exactly $200\ \mu\text{g}$ of active MOTS-c sequence.

2. **2.0 mL Diluent Addition:** Yields a concentration of $1.0\ \text{mg/mL}$ ($1,000\ \mu\text{g/mL}$). Each $0.1\ \text{mL}$ ($100\ \mu\text{L}$) volume drawn contains exactly $100\ \mu\text{g}$ of active MOTS-c sequence.

3. **3.0 mL Diluent Addition:** Yields a concentration of $0.67\ \text{mg/mL}$ ($666.7\ \mu\text{g/mL}$). Each $0.1\ \text{mL}$ ($100\ \mu\text{L}$) volume drawn contains approximately $66.7\ \mu\text{g}$ of active MOTS-c sequence.

Investigators requiring customized volumetric calculations or unit conversion verification for non-standard reconstitutions should utilize our interactive reconstitution calculator to prevent dosing deviations in benchtop assays.

Aliquot Planning and Laboratory Handling Protocols

Lyophilized peptides exhibit high stability, but once reconstituted in an aqueous medium, peptide bonds become susceptible to hydrolytic degradation and aggregate formation. To preserve biological activity across multi-day laboratory protocols, primary stock solutions should be reconstituted under strict aseptic conditions inside a laminar flow hood.

Following initial reconstitution of the 2mg vial, divide the liquid into single-use microcentrifuge aliquots using sterile, low-protein-binding polypropylene tubes. A typical aliquot volume ranges from $50\ \mu\text{L}$ to $200\ \mu\text{L}$, depending on the daily working volume required for planned microplate treatments or animal injections. Rapidly freeze aliquots that are not designated for immediate use to avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles, which induce mechanical shear and peptide denaturing.

Analytical Verification: Lot-Matched COA and Quality Metrics

Every production lot of MOTS-c supplied by PX1 Research undergoes rigorous analytical testing to guarantee chemical purity, identity, and safety. Each shipment is backed by a lot-matched Certificate of Analysis (COA) accessible directly through our public verification portal.

Our analytical suite includes High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) to confirm peptide purity exceeds 98.0%, Mass Spectrometry (MS) to verify the theoretical molecular weight of 2174.6 Da, and Chromogenic LAL Assays to ensure endotoxin levels remain strictly below < 0.01 EU/mg. Furthermore, all synthesis occurs in cGMP-compliant facilities within the United States, verified by independent ISO 17025-accredited laboratories. Researchers can review sample documentation and request specific testing records via our dedicated COA lookup page.

Comparative Analysis: MOTS-c vs. SS-31, Humanin, and GW501516

When designing metabolic and bioenergetic experimental protocols, investigators frequently compare MOTS-c against other targeted mitochondrial modulators and metabolic signaling compounds. Understanding where MOTS-c sits relative to peptides like SS-31, Humanin, and synthetic PPAR-delta agonists like GW501516 helps in selecting the appropriate pathway target.

While MOTS-c acts primarily through systemic AMPK activation and nuclear transcriptional regulation to alter metabolic gene expression, Humanin—another mitochondrial-derived peptide—exerts strong cytoprotective and anti-apoptotic effects in neurodegenerative and cardiovascular models. Conversely, SS-31 (Elamipretide) targets cardiolipin within the inner mitochondrial membrane to optimize electron transport chain efficiency directly, rather than altering nuclear transcription. Synthetic compounds like GW501516 influence fatty acid oxidation via PPAR-delta transcription factors. In comparative exercise-capacity models, MOTS-c provides a unique mechanism by directly linking mitochondrial stress signals to nuclear metabolic reprogramming.

Fill Size Selection: Evaluating 2mg vs. 5mg and 10mg Configurations

Selecting the correct vial size depends entirely on trial duration, subject group sizing, and assay throughput. A MOTS-c 2mg vial is optimal for preliminary in vitro assays, acute single-dose rodent trials, or validation of analytical detection methods (e.g., ELISA or Western blot optimizations) where reconstituted solution shelf life is a limiting factor.

For longitudinal animal studies spanning several weeks or high-throughput cell screening involving multiple 96-well plates, larger mass configurations such as 5mg or 10mg vials are typically more economical and reduce inter-vial reconstitution variability. Principal investigators managing large-scale research projects or institutional procurement can establish recurring deliveries and volume pricing through our specialized wholesale portal.

Storage Guidelines and Thermal Stability Standards

To guarantee maximum peptide shelf life and prevent structural breakdown, strict thermal management must be enforced upon arrival at the laboratory facility. MOTS-c should be handled in accordance with the following storage parameters:

• **Lyophilized Powder (Unopened):** Store at $-20^\circ\text{C}$ for up to 24 months. For long-term archival storage exceeding 2 years, maintain at $-80^\circ\text{C}$ in a desiccated, dark environment.

• **Reconstituted Solution (Bacteriostatic Water):** Store at $2^\circ\text{C}$ to $8^\circ\text{C}$ ($36^\circ\text{F}$ to $46^\circ\text{F}$) for a maximum of 28 days.

• **Reconstituted Solution (Sterile Saline/Water):** Store at $2^\circ\text{C}$ to $8^\circ\text{C}$ for no more than 24 hours before use in downstream assays.

• **Frozen Aliquots:** Reconstituted liquid frozen at $-20^\circ\text{C}$ or $-80^\circ\text{C}$ remains stable for 3 to 6 months. Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles by sub-aliquoting immediately after initial dissolution.

Preclinical Applications in Exercise Capacity and Metabolic Research

In published preclinical literature, MOTS-c has demonstrated substantial capacity to restore metabolic homeostasis in models of metabolic dysfunction, diet-induced obesity, and age-related physical decline. Rodent models receiving MOTS-c exhibit increased insulin sensitivity, elevated glucose clearance rates, and enhanced endurance performance on treadmills.

In vitro data indicate that MOTS-c activation of AMPK leads to downstream inhibition of acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC) and increased expression of glucose transporter 4 (GLUT4). In cell culture models subjected to metabolic stressors, MOTS-c administration preserves mitochondrial membrane potential and reduces intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation. Research teams investigating metabolic health span, lipid utilization, or mitochondrial signaling continue to rely on standardized, analytical-grade MOTS-c to ensure reproducible empirical outcomes.