MOTS-C 10mg

Mitochondrial-derived peptide — 16 amino acids encoded by the 12S rRNA gene region First described in 2015 — studied in AMPK pathway activation and mitochondrial-nuclear signaling Research-grade · CAS 1627580-64-6 For in vitro metabolic pathway research only

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For laboratory research use only. Not for human or veterinary consumption. SKU MS10.

Overview

Product details.

MOTS-C 10mg — Mitochondrial-Derived Peptide

Until 2015, mitochondrial DNA was thought to encode exactly 13 proteins, 22 tRNAs, and 2 rRNAs. Then Lee et al. found MOTS-C — a 16-amino-acid peptide hiding in a short open reading frame within the 12S rRNA gene. Its discovery revealed an entirely new category of bioactive molecules: peptides encoded by the mitochondrial genome that signal to the nucleus, telling it about the cell’s metabolic state. Mitochondria are not just the powerhouse. They are also the messenger.

Research-Grade Compounds

Manufactured to research-grade standards for laboratory research use only.

Discreet Shipping

Every order ships in plain, protective packaging.

In-House Fulfillment

Orders are inspected, packed, and shipped directly by the Heritage Labs team.

Specifications

Sequence	Met-Arg-Trp-Gln-Glu-Met-Gly-Tyr-Ile-Phe-Tyr-Pro-Arg-Lys-Leu-Arg
Amino Acids	16
Molecular Formula	C₁₀₁H₁₅₂N₂₈O₂₂S₂
Molecular Weight	2174.64 g/mol
CAS Number	1627580-64-6
Gene Origin	Mitochondrial 12S rRNA gene region
Form	Lyophilized powder
Quantity	10mg per vial

An indirect route to AMPK

MOTS-C does not hit AMPK directly the way pharmaceutical activators do. Instead, it inhibits the folate cycle, which causes AICAR (5-aminoimidazole-4-carboxamide ribonucleotide) to accumulate. AICAR is an endogenous AMPK activator. So MOTS-C activates the central energy sensor of the cell, but through an upstream metabolic bottleneck rather than direct kinase binding. Under stress conditions, the peptide translocates from mitochondria to the nucleus to regulate gene expression — a retrograde signal where the organelle talks back to the genome.

MOTS-C vs NAD+

Both sit at the intersection of energy metabolism and cellular signaling, but through different nodes. NAD+ fuels sirtuins, PARPs, and the electron transport chain. MOTS-C activates AMPK through the folate cycle. Complementary pathways, not redundant ones. Heritage Labs USA carries both.

Research applications

AMPK pathway activation and downstream signaling
Folate-methionine cycle and AICAR accumulation
Mitochondrial-nuclear retrograde signaling
Glucose uptake and fatty acid oxidation studies
Cellular stress response and metabolic adaptation

Frequently paired with

BPC-157 5mg — Complementary recovery pathways.
NAD+ 1000mg — AMPK + sirtuin axis research.

Quality and testing

Every Heritage Labs compound is manufactured to research-grade standards and shipped in protective packaging.

Storage

Lyophilized: -20°C
Reconstituted: 2-8°C, use within 30 days

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

For laboratory research use only. Not for human or veterinary use. This product is not a drug or supplement and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

FDA Disclaimer. All products are for research use only (RUO) as defined by the FDA — not for diagnostic, human, or veterinary use. These products have not been evaluated and have not been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Heritage Labs is a chemical supplier providing products strictly for laboratory research, analytical, and in-vitro purposes; it is not a compounding pharmacy or compounding facility under Section 503A, nor an outsourcing facility under Section 503B, of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act.