MOTS-c — Mitochondrial Peptide Research Reference (Ireland 2026)

By the Peptides Lab Ireland research team · Updated July 2026 · Research use only

MOTS-c (Mitochondrial Open Reading Frame of the Twelve S rRNA type-c) is one of the newer research compounds in the metabolic and longevity peptide space. Unusually, it’s encoded not in the nucleus but within the mitochondrial 12S rRNA region — making it one of the small number of known mitochondrial-derived peptides (MDPs). This reference is for Irish research groups working with MOTS-c in preclinical protocols.

What is MOTS-c?

MOTS-c is a 16 amino acid peptide encoded within the mitochondrial genome (specifically in the 12S rRNA gene). It circulates in low physiological concentrations and appears to signal metabolic and stress information from the mitochondrion to the nucleus and to distant tissues.

• Amino acids: 16
• Origin: Mitochondrial 12S rRNA-encoded
• Class: Mitochondrial-derived peptide (MDP)
• Key pathways: AMPK activation, insulin sensitivity, mitochondrial biogenesis

Research applications

Preclinical research on MOTS-c covers:

• Mitochondrial biology research mitochondrial-nuclear signalling, mitohormesis
• Metabolic homeostasis , glucose homeostasis, insulin sensitivity research
• AMPK activation research , with one of the primary intracellular signalling pathways engaged
• Exercise-mimetic research : MOTS-c has been reported to modulate exercise-response pathways
• Ageing biology research , with declining circulating MOTS-c levels with age is one of the key observations driving current research
• Muscle metabolism research skeletal muscle mitochondrial biogenesis

MOTS-c in the metabolic and longevity space

MOTS-c sits at the intersection of two research spaces:

• Metabolic research alongside GLP-1 class compounds and 5-Amino-1MQ
• Longevity research — alongside NAD+, Epithalon, FOXO4-DRI, SS-31

The mitochondrial-derived peptide (MDP) class also includes Humanin and SHLPs 1-6, which are related research targets in the same biological space.

Reconstitution

MOTS-c reconstitutes with bacteriostatic water using the standard technique — see our reconstitution guide. Follow batch-specific stability guidance on the COA.

Regulatory context , Ireland

MOTS-c isn’t approved as a medicinal product. Supplied strictly for in-vitro laboratory research , with see our HPRA guide.

Sourcing MOTS-c in Ireland

Peptides Lab Ireland stocks HPLC-verified MOTS-c with per-batch Certificate of Analysis. See the product page.

Continue on the topic

• Epithalon and Telomere Research
• Skin & Anti-Ageing peptides category (also longevity)
• Peptide Cold Chain and Storage

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