What Is MOTS-c?
MOTS-c is a 16-amino acid peptide encoded within mitochondrial DNA, first characterized by Changhan David Lee’s lab at USC in Cell Metabolism (2015). Its discovery placed it in the mitochondrial-derived peptide (MDP) class and revised the assumption that mitochondrial DNA only encodes respiratory chain components.
⚠️ Research Use Only
All products sold by FenaLife are intended strictly for laboratory and academic research purposes. Not for human consumption, injection, or ingestion. These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA.
A Paradigm Shift in Mitochondrial Biology
Mitochondrial DNA was long thought to encode only 13 respiratory chain proteins plus rRNAs and tRNAs. MOTS-c’s discovery reveals mitochondria as active signalling organelles – encoding bioactive peptides that communicate metabolic status to the rest of the cell.
MOTS-c Key Mechanisms
AMPK Activation
Central mechanism – AMPK (cell energy sensor) activated via folate-methionine cycle modulation, creating an AICAR-like intermediate.
Folate-Methionine Cycle
Inhibits key enzymes, reducing MTHF availability and impairing de novo purine synthesis – triggering metabolic stress that activates AMPK.
Nuclear Translocation
Under stress, MOTS-c translocates to the nucleus and regulates transcription of stress response genes (Nature Metabolism, 2021).
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mTOR Inhibition
AMPK activation downstream inhibits mTOR – linking MOTS-c to caloric restriction-like longevity pathways.
MOTS-c Research Evidence by Area
Insulin sensitivity and metabolicFoundational 2015 Cell Metabolism paper
Exercise biologyCirculating MOTS-c rises with exercise
Aging and longevity modelsAMPK/mTOR pathway connections
Anti-inflammatoryMetabolic inflammation models
MOTS-c Storage and Reconstitution
1
Store lyophilized at -20 degrees C
Protect from light and moisture.
2
Reconstitute in sterile water or PBS
Water-soluble.
3
Aliquot to avoid freeze-thaw
Store reconstituted at 2-8 degrees C for short-term use.
FenaLife supplies MOTS-c 10mg.
Conclusion
MOTS-c is a mitochondrially-encoded AMPK activator connecting exercise biology, metabolic regulation, and longevity pathways in a single molecule — a genuinely novel class of research compound.
⚠️ Research Use Only
All products sold by FenaLife are intended strictly for laboratory and academic research purposes. Not for human consumption, injection, or ingestion. These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA.
Source MOTS-c 10mg at FenaLife
Research-grade, HPLC-verified purity. Fast shipping.