MOTS-C For Sale — Research Grade
PX1 Research provides laboratory-grade MOTS-c synthesized under strict quality controls for academic and industrial research facilities. As a novel mitochondrial-derived peptide, MOTS-c is widely investigated for its regulatory roles in cellular metabolism, exercise physiology, and energy homeostasis. Every lot undergoes rigorous HPLC and mass spectrometry verification to guarantee maximum purity and lot-to-lot consistency in preclinical models.
Quick answer
PX1 Research provides laboratory-grade MOTS-c synthesized under strict quality controls for academic and industrial research facilities. As a novel mitochondrial-derived peptide, MOTS-c is widely investigated for its regulatory roles in cellular metabolism, exercise physiology, and energy homeostasis. Every lot undergoes rigorous HPLC and mass spectrometry verification to guarantee maximum purity and lot-to-lot consistency in preclinical models.
Key takeaways
- When evaluating options for [research-grade MOTS-c for sale](/product/mots-c), laboratory investigators require rigorous analytical assurance that reagents meet exacting physical and chemical specifications.
- [MOTS-c](/research-peptides/mots-c) (Mitochondrial Open Reading Frame of the 12S rRNA Type-c) represents a distinct class of signaling molecules known as mitochondrial-derived peptides (MDPs).
- Preclinical investigations demonstrate that [MOTS-c](/research-peptides/mots-c) modulates systemic metabolic homeostasis primarily via activation of the 5'-AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) signaling cascade.
- A growing body of preclinical literature highlights the role of [MOTS-c](/research-peptides/mots-c) in counteracting metabolic dysregulation induced by high-fat diets.
Sourcing Research-Grade MOTS-c: Purity and Lot Standards
When evaluating options for research-grade MOTS-c for sale, laboratory investigators require rigorous analytical assurance that reagents meet exacting physical and chemical specifications. Small-molecule and peptide purity directly dictates the reproducibility of in vitro bioassays and in vivo rodent studies. PX1 Research addresses this critical requirement by subjecting every production batch to independent analytical testing before release.
Synthesized within state-of-the-art facilities in the United States, our MOTS-c target sequences undergo step-wise solid-phase peptide synthesis (SPPS) optimized to eliminate truncated impurities and deletion sequences. Laboratories procuring compounds through PX1 Research gain immediate access to a comprehensive Certificate of Analysis (COA) per lot, documenting mass verification, high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) chromatograms, and quantitative endotoxin testing. This commitment ensures that researchers receive uniform materials designed specifically for demanding research protocols.
Molecular Structure and Mitochondrial-Derived Origin
MOTS-c (Mitochondrial Open Reading Frame of the 12S rRNA Type-c) represents a distinct class of signaling molecules known as mitochondrial-derived peptides (MDPs). Unlike nuclear-encoded peptides, MOTS-c is encoded within the mitochondrial genome—specifically within the 12S ribosomal RNA gene region. It comprises a short, 16-amino acid sequence (Met-R-Q-E-L-I-T-S-C-L-K-C-M-E-A-I) that exerts systemic metabolic regulation when translocated outside the organelle.
In physiological and cellular models, baseline MOTS-c production acts as a stress-response signal. Under metabolic stress, such as nutrient deprivation or exercise-mimicking electrical stimulation, MOTS-c relocates from the mitochondrion to the cytosol and eventually translocates into the nucleus. Within the nuclear compartment, it interacts with specific transcription factors to alter adaptive gene expression. Investigating this unique inter-organellar communications network remains a primary focus within contemporary mitochondrial research peptides literature.
Primary Mechanisms: AMPK Activation and Metabolic Signaling
Preclinical investigations demonstrate that MOTS-c modulates systemic metabolic homeostasis primarily via activation of the 5'-AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) signaling cascade. In vitro cell culture models reveal that MOTS-c indirectly stimulates AMPK phosphorylation by inhibiting the folate cycle and de novo purine synthesis. This metabolic intervention increases intracellular levels of 5-aminoimidazole-4-carboxamide ribonucleotide (AICAR), a natural endogenous activator of AMPK.
Through AMPK activation, MOTS-c influences downstream cellular metabolic targets. Mouse model data indicate that administration of high-purity MOTS-c promotes glucose uptake in skeletal muscle, enhances fatty acid oxidation, and suppresses hepatic gluconeogenesis. Researchers utilizing our high-purity MOTS-c peptide can examine these metabolic pathways across diverse cell lines, evaluating how MDP signaling modulates nutrient sensing without confounding factors introduced by chemical impurities.
Preclinical Insights: Metabolic Regulation and Insulin Sensitivity
A growing body of preclinical literature highlights the role of MOTS-c in counteracting metabolic dysregulation induced by high-fat diets. In diet-induced obesity rodent models, exogenous MOTS-c administration has been observed to attenuate weight gain, improve systemic insulin sensitivity, and mitigate hepatic steatosis. The peptide appears to remodel white adipose tissue into a more metabolically active phenotype, promoting energy expenditure.
In vitro assays using murine myoblasts and human primary skeletal muscle cells confirm that MOTS-c upregulates glucose transporter type 4 (GLUT4) translocation to the plasma membrane independent of classical insulin signaling pathways. These findings make MOTS-c an invaluable research tool for laboratories probing insulin-independent mechanisms of glucose disposal and metabolic flexibility.
Exercise Capacity and Skeletal Muscle Physiology
Beyond baseline metabolic regulation, MOTS-c has garnered significant interest for its capacity to augment physical endurance and exercise capacity in preclinical models. Research demonstrates that acute and chronic administration of MOTS-c in young and aged rodents enhances treadmill running distance and duration. Mechanistically, this adaptation is linked to improved mitochondrial respiration and upregulation of exercise-responsive genes in skeletal muscle.
In aged rodent models, researchers observed that age-dependent declines in endogenous MOTS-c expression correspond with reduced physical performance and impaired insulin sensitivity. Restoring systemic MOTS-c levels in these models partially reversed functional deficits, restoring muscle performance to levels observed in younger cohorts. For laboratories examining skeletal muscle biology and performance physiology, comprehensive data on these mechanisms are documented within the PX1 Research library.
Comparative Analysis: MOTS-c, SS-31, and Humanin
When selecting mitochondrial-targeted research compounds, investigators often contrast MOTS-c with other established peptides in the same functional class. While MOTS-c acts primarily as a metabolic regulator and AMPK activator through folate cycle inhibition, the SS-31 research compound functions principally as a targeted cardiolipin-binding peptide that preserves mitochondrial inner membrane integrity and reduces electron transport chain ROS leakage. Conversely, the Humanin mitochondrial peptide focuses largely on cytoprotection, neuroprotection, and anti-apoptotic signaling pathways.
Additionally, scientists comparing metabolic regulators often evaluate MOTS-c alongside growth hormone secretagogues or lipid metabolism peptides such as the AOD-9604 peptide. While AOD-9604 acts specifically downstream of lipolytic receptors to induce lipid oxidation in adipocytes, MOTS-c targets systemic mitochondrial-to-nuclear signaling, affecting systemic glucose handling and metabolic homeostasis. Combining or comparing these agents allows researchers to dissect distinct facets of energy utilization in vitro and in vivo.
Quality Verification: HPLC, Mass Spectrometry, and Endotoxin Limits
Analytical rigor is paramount when procuring synthetic peptides for cellular and animal studies. PX1 Research enforces a strict purity threshold of >99% (by HPLC peak area) for all MOTS-c batches. High-resolution Mass Spectrometry (MS) is conducted in parallel to confirm the exact molecular weight (1875.2 Da theoretical) and rule out incorrect sequence isomers or chemical modifications.
Because bacterial endotoxins (lipopolysaccharides) induce severe inflammatory responses in cellular and animal models, PX1 Research tests every batch for endotoxin contamination using the Limulus Amebocyte Lysate (LAL) assay. Our internal limit for research-grade peptides requires endotoxin levels below 0.01 EU/mg, protecting cell cultures from premature apoptosis and preventing pyrogenic confounding factors in rodent studies. Full COAs showing HPLC, MS, and LAL analytical data are accessible with every shipment.
Laboratory Handling, Reconstitution, and Storage Protocols
MOTS-c is delivered as a lyophilized (freeze-dried) cake or powder under vacuum to maintain maximal peptide stability during transit. Upon arrival, unopened vials should be stored in a dry environment at -20°C or -80°C for long-term preservation. Lyophilized peptides remain stable at room temperature during standard transit times, aided by our insulated shipping packaging.
Reconstitution should be performed inside a sterile laminar flow hood using sterile target solvents such as Bacteriostatic Water or Sterile Preclinical Saline. Depending on experimental concentration requirements, researchers should allow the vial to reach room temperature prior to reconstituting to prevent condensation inside the container. Gentle swirling is recommended to achieve complete dissolution; vigorous vortexing or sonication should be avoided as it may cause structural denaturation or aggregation. Aliquoting reconstituted solutions into single-use microcentrifuge tubes minimizes freeze-thaw cycles.
Procurement and Institutional Sourcing Options
For universities, contract research organizations (CROs), and biotechnology firms planning large-scale or multi-stage screening protocols, consistent supply chain reliability is essential. PX1 Research offers flexible sourcing solutions to support both individual exploratory projects and enterprise-level screening programs.
Institutions seeking large quantities or standardized lot reservation for long-term studies can establish enterprise ordering parameters through our wholesale research accounts. Orders placed Monday through Friday ship same-day from our primary distribution hubs in California and Arizona, minimizing lead times and ensuring lab schedules remain uninterrupted.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the certified purity level of MOTS-c available for sale?
PX1 Research guarantees a purity threshold of >99% for MOTS-c, verified by HPLC chromatogram peak integration. Exact purity levels and mass spectrometry sequence confirmation are detailed on the lot-specific COA included with every order.
How is MOTS-c tested for endotoxins?
Every lot of MOTS-c undergoes quantitative Limulus Amebocyte Lysate (LAL) testing at an ISO 17025 accredited laboratory to ensure endotoxin content remains below 0.01 EU/mg, making it suitable for sensitive in vitro and preclinical research.
What solvent is recommended for reconstituting MOTS-c in laboratory settings?
MOTS-c readily reconstitutes in sterile research-grade water or phosphate-buffered saline (PBS). For long-term aqueous storage at -20°C, bacteriostatic water may be used according to standard institutional laboratory protocols.
How should lyophilized and reconstituted MOTS-c be stored?
Lyophilized MOTS-c should be stored at -20°C or -80°C for optimal long-term stability. Once reconstituted into liquid solution, aliquoted samples should be kept frozen at -20°C or -80°C and protected from repeated freeze-thaw cycles.
What is the primary mechanism of action of MOTS-c in metabolic studies?
MOTS-c targets cellular metabolic signaling primarily by inhibiting the folate cycle, which increases intracellular AICAR levels and leads to the activation of 5'-AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK).
Can MOTS-c be sourced in bulk quantities for high-throughput screening?
Yes, PX1 Research provides institutional supply options and bulk ordering through our wholesale portal, offering single-lot reservations to maintain experimental consistency across large research trials.
How does MOTS-c compare to SS-31 in laboratory research?
MOTS-c acts primarily as a signal transducer affecting nuclear gene expression and AMPK activation, whereas SS-31 targets cardiolipin on the inner mitochondrial membrane to directly stabilize cristae structure and reduce ROS production.
Where does PX1 Research ship MOTS-c from?
All orders are fulfilled directly from our ISO-compliant facility hubs located in California and Arizona, with same-day shipping offered for standard orders placed Monday through Friday.
All products are sold strictly for laboratory and research use only. Not for human or veterinary use, diagnosis, treatment or consumption. Statements have not been evaluated by the FDA.