Mots C: Chemical Properties
24 PubMed CitationsExpert ReviewedGMP CertifiedLast Reviewed: February 2026
Chemical Properties
| Molecular Formula | C₁₀₁H₁₅₂N₂₈O₂₂S₂ |
| Molecular Weight | 2174.62 Da |
| CAS Number | 1627580-64-6 |
| PubChem CID | 146675088 |
| Sequence (1-Letter) | MRWQEMGYIFYPRKLR |
| Sequence (3-Letter) | Met-Arg-Trp-Gln-Glu-Met-Gly-Tyr-Ile-Phe-Tyr-Pro-Arg-Lys-Leu-Arg |
| Structure | Linear, α-helical, amphipathic, cationic; hydrophobic core ⁸YIFY¹¹, cationic tail ¹³RKLR¹⁶ |
| InChI Key | WYTHCOXVWRKRAH-LOKRTKBUSA-N |
| Gene Origin | MT-RNR1 (mitochondrial 12S rRNA) — mtDNA-encoded, cytoplasm-translated |
| Classification | Mitochondrial-Derived Peptide (MDP) / Mitokine |
| Key Polymorphism | K14Q (m.1382A>C) — alters cationic tail, reduces CK2 binding |
| Plasma Half-Life | ~1–2 hours (returns to baseline by 4h post-exercise) |
Identifiers
| Purity Standard | ≥97–98% by RP-HPLC |
| Identity Confirmation | MS molecular mass ~2174.6 Da; LC/MS for plasma detection and doping control |
| Counter-Ion | Acetate (TFA-free) |
| Detection Methods | RP-HPLC, ESI-MS, LC/MS (anti-doping), ELISA (plasma) |
References
- Lee C, Zeng J, Drew BG, et al. The mitochondrial-derived peptide MOTS-c promotes metabolic homeostasis and reduces obesity and insulin resistance. Cell Metabolism. 2015;21(3):443-454.
- Reynolds JC, Lai RW, Woodhead JST, et al. MOTS-c is an exercise-induced mitochondrial-encoded regulator of age-dependent physical decline and muscle homeostasis. Nature Communications. 2021;12(1):470.
- Kim KH, Son JM, Benayoun BA, Lee C. The Mitochondrial-Encoded Peptide MOTS-c Translocates to the Nucleus to Regulate Nuclear Gene Expression in Response to Metabolic Stress. Cell Metabolism. 2018;28(3):516-524.e7.
- CohBar, Inc. CohBar Announces Positive Topline Results from the Phase 1a/1b Study of CB4211 Under Development for NASH and Obesity. BioSpace. 2021.
- Knoop A, Thomas A, Thevis M. Development of a mass spectrometry based detection method for the mitochondrion-derived peptide MOTS-c in plasma samples for doping control purposes. Rapid Communications in Mass Spectrometry. 2019;33(4):371-380.
- Wan W, Zhang L, Lin Y, et al. Mitochondria-derived peptide MOTS-c: effects and mechanisms related to stress, metabolism and aging. Journal of Translational Medicine. 2023;21(1):36.
- Zempo H, Kim SJ, Fuku N, et al. A pro-diabetogenic mtDNA polymorphism in the mitochondrial-derived peptide, MOTS-c. Aging (Albany NY). 2021;13(2):1692-1717.
- Kong BS, Min SH, Lee C, Cho YM. The mitochondrial-encoded MOTS-c prevents pancreatic islet destruction in autoimmune diabetes. Cell Reports. 2021;36(4):109447.
- Lu H, Tang S, Xue C, et al. Mitochondrial-Derived Peptide MOTS-c Increases Adipose Thermogenic Activation to Promote Cold Adaptation. International Journal of Molecular Sciences. 2019;20(10):2456.
- Zhai D, Ye Z, Jiang Y, et al. MOTS-c peptide increases survival and decreases bacterial load in mice infected with MRSA. Molecular Immunology. 2017;92:151-159.
- Yi X, Hu G, Yang Y, et al. Role of MOTS-c in the regulation of bone metabolism. Frontiers in Physiology. 2023;14:1149120.
- Wei M, Gan L, Liu Z, et al. Mitochondrial-Derived Peptide MOTS-c Attenuates Vascular Calcification and Secondary Myocardial Remodeling via Adenosine Monophosphate-Activated Protein Kinase Signaling Pathway. Cardiorenal Medicine. 2020;10(1):42-50.
- Pham TK, et al. MOTS-c restores mitochondrial respiration and cardiac function in type 2 diabetic cardiomyopathy. 2025.
- Yin Y, et al. MOTS-c attenuates inflammatory and bone cancer pain via AMPK-MAPK-c-fos signaling in spinal cord. 2020/2024.
- Kong BS, Lee H, L'Yi S, et al. Mitochondrial-encoded peptide MOTS-c prevents pancreatic islet cell senescence to delay diabetes. Experimental & Molecular Medicine. 2025;57(8):1861-1877.
- Yoon SH, Yuan F, Zhu X, et al. Systemic MOTS-c levels are increased in adults with obesity in association with metabolic dysregulation and remain unchanged after weight loss. Journal of Clinical and Translational Endocrinology. 2026;43:100429.
- Kim SJ, Miller B, Mehta HH, et al. The mitochondrial-derived peptide MOTS-c is a regulator of plasma metabolites and enhances insulin sensitivity. Physiological Reports. 2019;7(13):e14171.
- Kumagai H, Coelho AR, Wan J, et al. MOTS-c reduces myostatin and muscle atrophy signaling. American Journal of Physiology-Endocrinology and Metabolism. 2021;320(4):E680-E690.
- Gao Y, Wei X, Wei P, et al. MOTS-c Functionally Prevents Metabolic Disorders. Metabolites. 2023;13(1):125.
- Lee C, Kim KH, Cohen P. MOTS-c: A novel mitochondrial-derived peptide regulating muscle and fat metabolism. Free Radical Biology & Medicine. 2016;100:182-187.
- Zheng Y, Wei Z, Wang T. MOTS-c: A promising mitochondrial-derived peptide for therapeutic exploitation. Frontiers in Endocrinology. 2023;14:1120533.
- Mohtashami Z, Singh MK, Salimiaghdam N, et al. MOTS-c, the Most Recent Mitochondrial Derived Peptide in Human Aging and Age-Related Diseases. International Journal of Molecular Sciences. 2022;23(19):11991.
- USADA. What is the MOTS-c peptide? USADA.org. 2024.
- Dieli-Conwright CM, et al. Effects of a 12 Week Breast Cancer Exercise Program on the Mitochondrial Derived Peptide MOTS-c. Scientific Reports. 2021.
Related Research Questions
Want the complete research review?
View Full Mots C Research Page→FOR RESEARCH USE ONLY
This content is provided for educational and informational purposes only. Products are furnished for in-vitro studies only and are not medicines, drugs, or supplements. Not approved by the FDA to prevent, treat, or cure any condition.