Mots C Research Compound For Sale

Procuring High-Purity MOTS-c Research Compound

MOTS-c (Mitochondrial Open Reading Frame of the 12S rRNA Type-c) is a 16-amino acid mitochondrial-derived peptide available as a high-purity research compound for sale from PX1 Research for laboratory evaluation. Synthesized in USA-based, GMP-compliant facilities, PX1 Research provides analytical-grade MOTS-c research compound (>98% purity verified via RP-HPLC and mass spectrometry) with lot-specific Certificates of Analysis for in vitro and animal models investigating metabolic regulation and mitochondrial function.

When sourcing mitochondrial peptides for complex cell culture or rodent models, analytical fidelity is critical. Impurities, residual trifluoroacetic acid (TFA), or bacterial endotoxins can drastically obscure experimental outcomes, alter cellular respiration assays, or yield inconsistent gene expression data. PX1 Research addresses these strict experimental requirements by subjecting every lot of MOTS-c to independent ISO 17025 accredited laboratory testing, guaranteeing high chemical purity and complete lot traceability.

Structural Architecture and Origin of MOTS-c

Discovered through genomic sequencing of mitochondrial DNA, MOTS-c belongs to a unique class of signaling molecules designated as mitochondrial-derived peptides. Unlike the vast majority of cellular peptides encoded by the nuclear genome, MOTS-c is encoded within the 12S ribosomal RNA gene of the mitochondrial genome. Its primary sequence consists of 16 amino acids: Met-Arg-Trp-Gln-Glu-Met-Gly-Tyr-Ile-Phe-Tyr-Pro-Arg-Lys-Leu-Arg.

This structural configuration imparts distinct physicochemical properties. Preclinical investigations demonstrate that MOTS-c functions as a nuclear-translocating signaling peptide. Under conditions of cellular metabolic stress, MOTS-c translocates from the mitochondrion to the cell nucleus, where it binds directly to specific promoter regions and interacts with transcription factors such as NRF2 (Nuclear Factor Erythroid 2-Related Factor 2) to regulate nuclear gene expression.

Primary Receptor Mechanisms and Intracellular Pathways

The primary intracellular mechanism of MOTS-c centers on metabolic sensing and the activation of the 5'-AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) signaling cascade. In vitro assays demonstrate that MOTS-c inhibits the folate cycle by targeting MTHFD1 (Methylenetetrahydrofolate Dehydrogenase 1), which leads to a transient decrease in de novo purine biosynthesis. This transient metabolic strain elevates intracellular AMP/ATP ratios, triggering robust AMPK phosphorylation.

Activated AMPK downstream of MOTS-c signaling stimulates glucose uptake via GLUT4 translocation independently of insulin signaling pathways. Additionally, preclinical models indicate that MOTS-c downregulates lipogenic enzyme activity while enhancing fatty acid beta-oxidation enzymes, positioning it as a pivotal subject in metabolic flux analysis and lipid homeostasis research.

Preclinical Literature Review: Metabolic Regulation & Homeostasis

Academic literature surrounding MOTS-c has expanded rapidly across rodent and cell culture models. In diet-induced obesity (DIO) mouse models, administration of research-grade MOTS-c demonstrated a significant capacity to attenuate high-fat diet-induced weight gain and insulin resistance. Researchers observed improved systemic glucose tolerance, reduced hepatic steatosis, and enhanced lipid clearance in skeletal muscle tissues.

In vitro studies using murine C2C12 myotubes and human primary skeletal muscle cells confirm that treatment with MOTS-c increases intracellular glucose consumption and enhances insulin sensitivity under hyperlipidemic conditions. These findings render the peptide a primary candidate for investigations into metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes pathology, and skeletal muscle energy substrate utilization.

Preclinical Research on Mitochondrial Function & Exercise Capacity

A critical area of inquiry involves the role of MOTS-c in modulating exercise capacity and cellular respiration. Preclinical rodent studies published in high-impact journals revealed that MOTS-c expression increases in skeletal muscle and plasma following physical exertion. When administered to aging or sedentary rodent models prior to exercise protocols, researchers noted significant increases in treadmill running distance, time to exhaustion, and peak workload capacity.

At the organelle level, Seahorse extracellular flux analysis demonstrates that MOTS-c treatment enhances oxygen consumption rates (OCR), optimizes mitochondrial membrane potential, and reduces ROS (reactive oxygen species) generation during metabolic strain. These data suggest that MOTS-c serves as a systemic exercise mimetic at the cellular level, offering valuable insights for cellular aging and sarcopenia research.

Comparative Analysis: MOTS-c vs. SS-31 vs. Humanin

Researchers evaluating mitochondrial energetics often compare MOTS-c with other prominent mitochondrial-targeting compounds in our all research peptides catalog. While SS-31 (Elamipretide) selectively targets cardiolipin in the inner mitochondrial membrane to stabilize cristae structure and reduce electron leak, MOTS-c acts predominantly as a metabolic signaling peptide that regulates nuclear gene expression via AMPK activation. Conversely, Humanin—another major mitochondrial-derived peptide—functions primarily through neuroprotective, cytoprotective, and anti-apoptotic pathways by binding IGFBP-3 and membrane receptors. Researchers targeting enzymatic metabolic control often pair these MDP studies alongside small-molecule metabolic modulators such as 5-Amino-1MQ to analyze converging pathways in lipid oxidation.

Analytical Quality Standards for Research Peptides

When purchasing a MOTS-c research compound, structural purity and freedom from contaminants are non-negotiable requirements for published, reproducible science. PX1 Research manufactures all peptide sequences in state-of-the-art, GMP-compliant facilities located in the United States. Every single production batch is evaluated by an independent ISO 17025 accredited analytical laboratory.

Quality verification involves Reverse-Phase High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (RP-HPLC) to establish chemical purity (guaranteed >98%) and Electrospray Ionization Mass Spectrometry (ESI-MS) to verify precise molecular weight. Furthermore, our products undergo quantitative Limulus Amebocyte Lysate (LAL) testing to confirm endotoxin levels strictly below <0.01 EU/mg, protecting delicate cell cultures and animal tissue assays from endotoxin-induced inflammatory artifacts.

Laboratory Reconstitution and Handling Protocols

MOTS-c is supplied as a lyophilized (freeze-dried) sterile powder in sealed glass vials under inert gas atmosphere. To maintain peptide integrity during laboratory reconstitution, investigators should adhere to standard aseptic chemical practices. Lyophilized MOTS-c exhibits excellent solubility in sterile bacteriostatic water, sterile normal saline (0.9% NaCl), or standard phosphate-buffered saline (PBS, pH 7.4).

To reconstitute, allow the vial to equilibrate to ambient room temperature before inserting the needle to minimize condensation inside the vial. Direct the reconstitution diluent down the glass wall of the vial rather than directly onto the lyophilized cake. Gently swirl the vial until complete dissolution occurs; never vortex or vigorously agitate peptide solutions, as mechanical shear forces can cause peptide denaturation or aggregation.

Thermal Stability and Long-Term Storage Requirements

Lyophilized MOTS-c research compound exhibits high stability when stored at -20°C to -80°C in a desiccated environment away from direct light exposure. Under these conditions, the un-reconstituted peptide remains stable for up to 24 months. For short-term storage or transit during laboratory handling, desiccated lyophilized vials remain stable at room temperature (20°C to 25°C) for several days without measurable degradation.

Once reconstituted in sterile aqueous solution, MOTS-c should be aliquoted into single-use working volumes using polypropylene microcentrifuge tubes to prevent repeated freeze-thaw cycles. Reconstituted aliquots stored at 2°C to 8°C should be utilized within 48 to 72 hours. For longer storage of reconstituted solutions, store aliquots at -80°C for up to 3 to 6 months. Avoid non-frost-free freezers, as temperature fluctuations degrade peptide bonds.

Procurement Protocols and PX1 Research Supply Assurance

PX1 Research simplifies procurement for academic universities, biotechnology firms, contract research organizations (CROs), and independent laboratories. Orders containing the MOTS-c research compound ship same-day (Monday through Friday) directly from our centralized distribution hubs in California and Arizona, ensuring minimal transit times and consistent cold-chain management when required.

Every shipment includes comprehensive documentation, including lot-specific COAs, mass spectra, HPLC chromatograms, and safety data sheets (SDS). Principal investigators and procurement specialists managing high-throughput screens or large-scale animal cohorts can establish direct commercial accounts through our wholesale research accounts portal or consult our extensive scientific documentation via the PX1 research library.