MOTS-c is a mitochondrial peptide encoded directly by mitochondrial DNA — a groundbreaking discovery in biochemistry. As the first known mitokine of its kind, MOTS-c acts as a systemic hormone regulating energy metabolism and glucose homeostasis. This complete guide covers its mechanism of action, current research data, legal status, and how to source MOTS-c 10mg in research-grade quality.
What is MOTS-c?
MOTS-c (Mitochondrial Open Reading Frame of the 12S rRNA-c) is a 16 amino acid peptide encoded directly by mitochondrial DNA. Discovered in 2015 by Pinchas Cohen and his team at the University of Southern California (USC) and published in Cell Metabolism, MOTS-c represents a new class of peptide hormones known as mitokines.
Its sequence: MRWQEMGYIFYPRKLR. MOTS-c is primarily expressed in skeletal muscle and secreted into the bloodstream, where it acts as a systemic endocrine regulator.
Important: MOTS-c sold by Scandinavian Pen Peptides is a research peptide intended exclusively for scientific laboratory purposes. It is not approved for human or veterinary use.
Mechanism of Action
- AMPK activation — MOTS-c activates AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), a central cellular energy sensor that regulates glucose and lipid metabolism in skeletal muscle.
- Nuclear translocation — Under metabolic stress, MOTS-c translocates to the cell nucleus and directly regulates gene expression — a unique property that distinguishes it from all other known peptides.
- Mitochondrial communication (Mitokine) — As a mitokine, MOTS-c mediates signaling between mitochondria and other cellular compartments, opening new research avenues in cell biology.
Scientific Research on MOTS-c
Metabolism and Insulin Sensitivity
The original study by Lee et al. (2015), published in Cell Metabolism, showed that MOTS-c regulates glucose metabolism in skeletal muscle and improves insulin sensitivity in preclinical models. [Source: PubMed]
Aging and Longevity
Studies published in Nature Communications and Aging Cell indicate that MOTS-c levels decline with age and that external supplementation improves metabolic parameters in aged animal models — data highly relevant for gerontological research. [Source: PubMed Central]
Physical Performance and Muscle Function
Preclinical studies are exploring the role of MOTS-c in mitochondrial biogenesis and musculoskeletal function — areas of significant interest for sports medicine research.
MOTS-c vs Other Peptides: Research Comparison
| Peptide | Origin | Primary Pathway | Available |
|---|---|---|---|
| MOTS-c | Mitochondrial DNA | AMPK / Energy metabolism | MOTS-c 10mg → |
| Epitalon | Synthetic | Telomerase / Pineal gland | Epitalon → |
| BPC-157 | Synthetic | Tissue regeneration | BPC-157 → |
| GHRP-6 | Synthetic | GH release | GHRP-6 → |
| PT-141 | Synthetic | MC3R/MC4R (CNS) | PT-141 → |
For an overview of longevity peptides: Epitalon — longevity & telomeres.
Legal Status of MOTS-c
MOTS-c is not classified as a controlled substance or narcotic in most countries. It does not hold marketing authorization as a medicinal product and is therefore not available through pharmacies. Its purchase and possession are legal exclusively for scientific research purposes as a chemical reference compound.
Scandinavian Pen Peptides sells MOTS-c strictly within this legal framework.
How to Buy MOTS-c
When sourcing MOTS-c for research purposes, the following quality criteria are essential:
- Purity ≥98% — verifiable via a third-party COA
- HPLC analysis — guarantees exact peptide composition
- Batch number — full traceability
- Precise format — accurate dosing for research protocols
- International shipping — fast and secure delivery
Our MOTS-c 10mg pen format meets all these criteria: purity ≥98%, COA included, fast delivery.
MOTS-c 10mg — Pre-mixed Pen Format
View Product →Purity ≥98% · COA Included · EU & International Shipping
Why the Pen Format for MOTS-c?
- Precise dosing — no manual reconstitution required
- Guaranteed sterility — sealed solution, minimized contamination risk
- Optimized stability — buffered formula, storage at 2–8°C
- Full traceability — unique batch number per pen
Other Longevity Research Peptides Available
- Epitalon 20mg — telomerase and longevity
- Thymalin 20mg — immunomodulatory peptide
- GHRP-6 5mg — GH-releasing peptide
- BPC-157 5mg — regenerative peptide
- Longevity Pen — combined anti-aging formula
- PT-141 10mg — melanocortin research
FAQ — Frequently Asked Questions about MOTS-c
What exactly is MOTS-c?
MOTS-c is a 16 amino acid peptide encoded directly by mitochondrial DNA — the first known mitokine of its kind. It acts as a systemic hormone, regulating energy and glucose metabolism via AMPK activation.
Is MOTS-c a research peptide?
Yes. MOTS-c is sold exclusively as a research peptide for scientific laboratory use. It is not approved as a medicinal product and is not intended for human consumption. Scandinavian Pen Peptides sells it strictly within this legal framework.
What makes MOTS-c different from other longevity peptides?
MOTS-c is unique because it is encoded directly by mitochondrial DNA — no other known peptide class has this origin. It acts via AMPK activation and nuclear translocation, while other longevity peptides like Epitalon work via telomerase or the pineal gland.
When was MOTS-c discovered?
MOTS-c was discovered in 2015 by Pinchas Cohen and his team at the University of Southern California (USC) and published in Cell Metabolism. It is a comparatively young research field with rapidly growing literature.
What is the purity of MOTS-c from Scandinavian Pen Peptides?
Purity ≥98%, verified by HPLC analysis. A Certificate of Analysis (COA) is included with every order, allowing researchers to independently verify product quality.
Can MOTS-c be purchased at a pharmacy?
No. MOTS-c does not hold marketing authorization as a medicinal product and is not available through pharmacies. It is a research peptide available exclusively from specialized suppliers such as Scandinavian Pen Peptides.
Do you ship MOTS-c internationally?
Yes. Scandinavian Pen Peptides ships to the EU, UK, Switzerland, and internationally. Fast and secure delivery with discreet packaging.
What is the advantage of the pen format for MOTS-c?
The pre-mixed pen format eliminates manual reconstitution steps, ensures precise concentration and reduces contamination risk — ideal for reproducible research protocols.
Conclusion
MOTS-c is one of the most fascinating research peptides of recent years. As the first mitochondrially encoded peptide hormone, it opens entirely new avenues in metabolism and aging research. In pre-mixed pen format with purity ≥98%, it is optimally suited for precise laboratory protocols.
- Epitalon — longevity & telomeres
- GHRP-6 — GH-releasing peptide
- What are peptides? — Scientific guide