Mitochondrial Open Reading Frame of the 12S rRNA-c
For educational and research reference only. Not medical advice. Not for human or animal use. Research peptides are Research Use Only (RUO).
Amino Acid Sequence
Met-Arg-Trp-Gln-Glu-Met-Gly-Tyr-Ile-Phe-Tyr-Pro-Arg-Lys-Leu-ArgAn interactive map of key discoveries, clinical trials, and major findings across 6 research milestones.
MOTS-c was discovered by Dr. Changhan Lee and colleagues at the University of Southern California, published in Cell Metabolism. It was the first mitochondrial-encoded signaling peptide identified.
Timeline compiled from published research literature for educational reference. Dates reflect first major publication or event; subsequent research continues to refine findings.
MOTS-c is a tiny protein made by your mitochondria — the power plants inside every cell. Until recently, scientists thought mitochondria only made energy. The discovery of MOTS-c proved that mitochondria also make signaling molecules that travel through the body. Think of it as mitochondria sending text messages to the rest of the body about how to handle energy and metabolism.
MOTS-c is hypothesized to activate AMPK (an energy-sensing enzyme), regulate folate-methionine metabolism, and translocate to the nucleus under metabolic stress to regulate gene expression. It appears to act as a retrograde signal from mitochondria to the nuclear genome, coordinating cellular energy management.
Human studies have found that MOTS-c levels are detectable in blood and correlate with metabolic markers. Exercise studies in humans have shown changes in circulating MOTS-c levels. A small human clinical trial was conducted at USC examining MOTS-c administration.
Mouse studies have demonstrated effects on diet-induced obesity, insulin sensitivity, and exercise capacity. MOTS-c levels decline with age in animal models.
Cell culture studies have characterized MOTS-c's effects on AMPK activation, folate metabolism, and nuclear translocation under stress conditions.
MOTS-c was discovered in 2015 by Dr. Changhan Lee and colleagues at the University of Southern California (USC). It was published in the journal Cell Metabolism.
Mitochondrial-derived peptides (MDPs) are small proteins encoded by short open reading frames within mitochondrial DNA. They represent a newly discovered class of signaling molecules — challenging the old view that mitochondria only produce energy.
Lyophilized form recommended. As a relatively small peptide, it may be susceptible to proteolytic degradation in solution.
Research Use Only
For educational and research reference only. Not medical advice. Not for human or animal use. Research peptides are Research Use Only (RUO).