What Is MOTS-C?
MOTS-C (Mitochondrial ORF of the Twelve S rRNA type-C) is a 16-amino-acid peptide (MRWQEMGYIFYPRKLR) encoded by a small open reading frame within the mitochondrial 12S ribosomal RNA gene. Its discovery established a new class of mitochondria-derived signalling peptides — distinct from nuclear-encoded mitochondrial proteins. Under metabolic stress (glucose limitation, oxidative stress), MOTS-C translocates from the mitochondria to the cytoplasm and subsequently to the nucleus, where it modulates adaptive gene expression programs.
The primary metabolic mechanism involves MOTS-C's inhibition of the folate-methionine cycle, leading to accumulation of the AMPK activator AICAR (5-aminoimidazole-4-carboxamide ribonucleotide), which promotes AMPK phosphorylation at Thr172. Activated AMPK drives glucose transporter GLUT4 translocation to the plasma membrane (increasing glucose uptake), suppresses mTORC1-mediated anabolic pathways, and stimulates PGC-1α-dependent mitochondrial biogenesis. Research models have utilised MOTS-C to study insulin sensitisation, exercise-mimetic effects, metabolic adaptation to stress, and age-associated metabolic decline.
For upstream GHRH-axis GH stimulation, see Sermorelin (SMO5 / SMO10). For research use only.
MOTS-C Products
Supplied as lyophilised powder in boxes of 10 research-grade vials.
Quality Assurance
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I buy MOTS-C in Australia?
Eternal Peptides Wholesale is an Australian-owned online wholesale supplier. MC10 (MOTS-C 10mg, box of 10) is $495.00. Check the product page for available batch reports. Consult our Shipping Policy for processing and delivery estimates. Dispatch origin can vary, including offshore fulfilment; Australian business ownership does not guarantee domestic stock or customs-free delivery. For research use only.
What makes MOTS-C unique compared to other peptides?
Most research peptides are nuclear-encoded proteins targeted to various cellular compartments. MOTS-C is one of a very small class of peptides directly encoded in the mitochondrial genome — specifically within the 12S rRNA gene. This makes it part of a mitochondria-to-nucleus communication axis and positions it as a metabolic stress signal produced at the site of cellular energy production. For research use only.
How does MOTS-C activate AMPK?
MOTS-C inhibits MTHFD1L in the folate cycle, reducing AICAR (5-aminoimidazole-4-carboxamide ribonucleotide) conversion and causing its accumulation. AICAR is a well-characterised AMPK activator — it mimics AMP and activates AMPK allosterically, promoting Thr172 phosphorylation. AMPK activation then drives glucose uptake (GLUT4 translocation), inhibits mTOR, and stimulates mitochondrial biogenesis via PGC-1α. For research use only.
How is MOTS-C tested?
Each product page publishes the Kovera Labs reports for its batch. Each report lists the method, stated criterion and result for its batch.
Related Research Pages
Research and buying guide
Testing references updated 1 November 2026 for the published Kovera Labs report set. Original research and catalogue snapshot dates remain as stated.
Kovera Labs testing: purity, endotoxin, heavy metals and sterility
Our listed batches are tested by Kovera Labs, and the reports are published on each product page: HPLC purity and LC-MS identity, endotoxin (EU/mL), heavy metals (lead, arsenic, cadmium and mercury) and sterility (bacteria and fungi), each with a batch number, report ID and a link to the laboratory’s verification record.
- MOTS-C (10mg) – batch EP-260512-MC10: HPLC purity 99.303%, endotoxin, heavy-metal and sterility reports · COA library entry
How we test: purity, endotoxin, heavy metals and sterility · Kovera Labs COA library · Eternal Peptides Wholesale
For laboratory research use only.