Peptide lexicon
MOTS-c
Mitochondrially encoded 16-amino-acid peptide (MOTS-c) studied in models of glucose and energy metabolism via AMPK signalling.
| Substance class | Peptide |
|---|---|
| Sequence | MRWQEMGYIFYPRKLR |
| CAS number | 1627580-64-6 |
| Molecular formula | C₁₀₁H₁₅₂N₂₈O₂₂S₂ |
| Molar mass | 2,174.6 g/mol |
| Synonyms | Mitochondrial ORF of the 12S rRNA type-c |
| PubChem | CID 146675088 |
Structure and origin
MOTS-c (mitochondrial open reading frame of the 12S rRNA type-c) is encoded by a short reading frame in mitochondrial 12S rRNA. The peptide has the sequence MRWQEMGYIFYPRKLR and was described in 2015.
Research focus
In cell and animal models MOTS-c is linked to activation of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), the folate cycle, insulin sensitivity and adaptations to exercise. Under stress it can translocate to the nucleus and influence gene expression.
Status
MOTS-c is a representative of the mitochondria-derived peptides (MDPs). The evidence is mostly preclinical.
Literature
- MOTS-c: A promising mitochondrial-derived peptide for therapeutic exploitationFront Endocrinol (Lausanne), 2023 · PMID 36761202 · DOI 10.3389/fendo.2023.1120533
- Safety and Efficacy of Approved and Unapproved Peptide Therapies for Musculoskeletal Injuries and Athletic PerformanceSports Med, 2026 · PMID 41966639 · DOI 10.1007/s40279-026-02437-0
- Mitochondria-derived peptide MOTS-c: effects and mechanisms related to stress, metabolism and agingJ Transl Med, 2023 · PMID 36670507 · DOI 10.1186/s12967-023-03885-2
- MOTS-c: A novel mitochondrial-derived peptide regulating muscle and fat metabolismFree Radic Biol Med, 2016 · PMID 27216708 · DOI 10.1016/j.freeradbiomed.2016.05.015
- Mitochondrial-Encoded Peptide MOTS-c, Diabetes, and Aging-Related DiseasesDiabetes Metab J, 2023 · PMID 36824008 · DOI 10.4093/dmj.2022.0333



