MOTS-c 10 mg / 50 mg – Mitochondria-derived peptide for research

What is MOTS-c (10 mg / 50 mg)?

MOTS-c is a mitochondrial peptide — an endogenous microprotein composed of 16 amino acids, encoded not in the nucleus but in the mitochondrial 12S rRNA gene. Its expression rises during physical exercise and metabolic stress, which is why in the research literature it is sometimes called an "exercise-like peptide" (exercise mimetic). The main described mechanism is the activation of AMPK — the cellular energy sensor.

In the Peptology catalog, MOTS-c is assigned to the category peptides for skin, sleep and libido, though functionally it belongs to the group of metabolic and mitochondrial compounds — alongside the AMPK activator AICAR or the metabolic 5-Amino-1MQ.

It is a research compound — it is not a medicinal product and holds no authorization for clinical use. It must be emphasized that large, randomized clinical trials (RCTs) in humans are at an early stage and limited — most data come from preclinical models. The product offered by Peptology is a research-grade reagent.

MOTS-c is available in two dosage variants — 10 mg and 50 mg — as a lyophilized peptide with purity ≥ 99%, confirmed by independent laboratory analysis (CoA for every batch). The product is intended exclusively for scientific research and in vitro applications.

How MOTS-c works — the metabolic mechanism

In the research literature, MOTS-c is described as a regulator of energy metabolism acting at several levels. Below are the three most frequently studied elements.

Why an "exercise-like peptide"

MOTS-c expression naturally increases during physical exercise, and in mouse models its exogenous administration increased endurance in animals of various ages. Because it activates AMPK — the same energy sensor that exercise stimulates — it is sometimes described as an "exercise mimetic". This is a term from the research literature, not a promise of an effect of the research-grade product.

The AMPK mechanism links MOTS-c with other metabolic compounds in the catalog — above all with AICAR (a direct AMPK activator). Mitochondrially related are also SS-31 and the coenzyme NAD+. This data comes from preclinical studies and does not constitute a claim about the effect of the research product.

Pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics (research framework)

MOTS-c is an endogenous mitochondrial peptide with a metabolic profile. The most important research characteristics:

• Structure: a 16-amino-acid microprotein encoded in the mitochondrial 12S rRNA gene (sORF)
• Targets: the AMPK pathway, glucose transport (GLUT4), regulation of genes with ARE elements
• Exercise induction: the level rises during physical activity and metabolic stress
• Effects in models: increased endurance, improved glucose and fatty acid metabolism (animals)
• Status of human data: limited — mainly observations, few RCTs
• Route of administration in protocols: most often subcutaneous, per the research protocol

Variant comparison: MOTS-c 10 mg vs 50 mg

MOTS-c is available in two doses. Both variants are the same peptide with purity ≥ 99% — the difference concerns only the amount of substance in the vial, which translates into the scale and length of the research protocol.

Both variants contain the identical, certified peptide with purity ≥ 99% — the difference concerns only the amount in the vial. The choice depends on the scale of the planned protocol. Regardless of the variant, it is worth adding Peptide Matrix Water™ for reconstitution.

Comparison: MOTS-c vs AICAR vs 5-Amino-1MQ

Within the same category, it is worth comparing MOTS-c with two other metabolic compounds — the AMPK activator AICAR and the NNMT inhibitor 5-Amino-1MQ. All three concern energy metabolism, but via different routes.

MOTS-c acts "from inside the mitochondrion" through its own pathway to AMPK, AICAR activates AMPK directly, and 5-Amino-1MQ inhibits the NNMT enzyme. The comparison is indicative in nature and does not constitute a recommendation for use.

Areas of research on MOTS-c

MOTS-c is an active area of research on metabolism and aging. Below are the most frequently explored directions — with the caveat that human data are limited.

Glucose metabolism and insulin resistance

In preclinical models, MOTS-c was associated with increased glucose uptake, reduced insulin resistance and improved fatty acid metabolism — AMPK-dependent effects.

Endurance and muscles

Exogenous administration of MOTS-c increased physical endurance in mice of various ages and affected glucose transport (GLUT4) and atrophy signals in muscles (↓myostatin) — in animal models.

Aging and human data

MOTS-c levels change with age and fitness level, which makes it an object of research on aging. Data from clinical interventions, however, are limited — large RCTs in humans are at an early stage. This is an active research area, not a confirmed application.

Note: The information is presented for scientific and informational purposes and is based mainly on the preclinical literature. It does not constitute medical advice, a recommendation for use or a claim about the effect of the research-grade product offered by Peptology.

MOTS-c profile at a glance

• Mitochondrially encoded peptide (16 aa) — an endogenous microprotein induced by exercise
• AMPK activator — the cellular energy sensor; "fuel switching"
• Studied for glucose metabolism, endurance and adaptation to stress
• Related metabolic compounds: AICAR (AMPK), 5-Amino-1MQ (NNMT)
• Mitochondrially related: SS-31 and NAD+
• Every batch with a CoA and purity ≥ 99%

All information provided refers to the research literature on MOTS-c and should not be interpreted as a promise of effect, an instruction for use or a claim about the effect of the research-grade product offered by Peptology.

Research dosing protocols

In research protocols, MOTS-c is usually administered after reconstitution of the lyophilizate, most often subcutaneously:

• Schedules are usually spread over time; if an administration is missed, it is resumed on the next scheduled day (without "doubling")
• The 10 mg variant for initial, shorter series; 50 mg for extended protocols
• Often considered in the context of endurance/training protocols and metabolic modulators (AMPK)
• Calculate the precise concentration and volume in the peptide calculator (max. 3 mL of solvent per vial)

In combined protocols, MOTS-c is sometimes paired with other metabolic/mitochondrial compounds, such as AICAR, SS-31 or NAD+. These schedules come from the research literature and do not constitute a recommendation for self-administration.

Side effects and safety

In research observations, MOTS-c is described as well tolerated. Side effects are usually mild and transient. The data concern research on the molecule and are limited in humans.

Most reported effects are mild and transient. Because of its effect on glucose metabolism, studies draw attention to caution in this context. This information is scientific in nature and does not constitute an instruction for use.

Storage and reconstitution

MOTS-c is supplied as a lyophilized (freeze-dried) powder in a vial. In lyophilized form it is stable at room temperature, protected from light and moisture — refrigeration before reconstitution is not mandatory. After reconstitution, stability depends on the solvent used, with Peptide Matrix Water™ significantly extending the peptide's lifespan.

• Before reconstitution: room temperature, in the original packaging, protected from light and moisture. A refrigerator is not mandatory.
• After reconstitution with Peptide Matrix Water™: stability in the refrigerator +2 °C to +8 °C for up to 60 days under appropriate laboratory conditions — the stabilizing formula extends the peptide's lifespan relative to standard solvents.
• After reconstitution with bacteriostatic or sterile water: stability in the refrigerator +2 °C to +8 °C for up to 28 days under appropriate conditions. Do not refreeze the reconstituted solution.
• Reconstitution: in a laboratory setting, Peptide Matrix Water™, bacteriostatic water or sterile water for injection is usually used, depending on the protocol.
• Volume: maximum 3 mL of solvent (capacity of a standard vial). For a precise calculation of volume and units, use the peptide calculator.
• Homogenization: add the solvent slowly down the vial wall, without vigorous shaking, then wait 10–15 min. Swirl gently, do not shake.

Laboratory tip: With your order, you can add Peptide Matrix Water™ to the cart — a stabilizing solution designed for working with reconstituted research peptides. More in the article Bacteriostatic water vs acetic acid vs matrix water.

Frequently asked questions about MOTS-c

What exactly is MOTS-c?

It is a mitochondrial peptide — a 16-amino-acid microprotein encoded in the mitochondrial 12S rRNA gene. In studies it is associated with AMPK activation, glucose metabolism and endurance. The results come mainly from preclinical models.

Is MOTS-c an "exercise-like peptide"?

Yes — its expression rises during exercise, and some effects (via AMPK) resemble training adaptations in preclinical data. This is a term from the literature, not a promise of an effect of the research product.

Which vial size to choose — 10 mg or 50 mg?

Both variants are the same peptide with purity ≥ 99% — they differ in the amount in the vial. The 10 mg variant works well for initial or shorter series, and 50 mg for extended protocols and economy of scale.

Are there published RCTs in humans?

Currently limited — most data come from preclinical and observational sources. MOTS-c is an active but early area of research (metabolism, diabetes, aging).

What is MOTS-c combined with in research?

Often considered in the context of endurance protocols and metabolic modulators focused on AMPK, like AICAR, as well as the mitochondrial peptides SS-31 and the coenzyme NAD+.

How is MOTS-c stored and reconstituted?

The lyophilized vial is stored at room temperature, protected from light and moisture. After reconstitution, stability depends on the solvent: with Peptide Matrix Water™ — up to 60 days in the refrigerator +2 °C to +8 °C; with bacteriostatic or sterile water — up to 28 days. Avoid refreezing.

Where to buy MOTS-c for research?

Peptology offers MOTS-c (10 mg / 50 mg) as a research peptide with confirmed purity ≥ 99% and independent laboratory analysis for every batch. Fast shipping, discreet packaging and certificates of purity with the product. For scientific background, also see the article Peptides — what they are, how they work, main categories and safety profile.

Related products in the Peptology catalog

Researchers working with MOTS-c often also consider related metabolic and mitochondrial compounds. Each of the products below has a certificate of purity (CoA):

See the full catalog: Peptides for skin, sleep and libido · Peptides for energy and regeneration · Solutions for peptides · All peptides · Blog on peptide research

Molecule identity

Laboratory reconstitution

Laboratory protocol — reconstitution, research protocols, storage

Standardized protocol applicable to all research peptides in the Peptology catalogue. To calculate the solution concentration (mg/mL) for each vial, use the peptide reconstitution calculator.

60-second protocol

Quick reference

What you need

Five rules for reconstitution

Calculating concentration

Storage

Four mistakes to avoid

Shipping information

🚚 Shipping information

• Products in our warehouse – orders placed by 15:00 on working days are dispatched the same day, later orders on the next working day.

• Delivery with GLS to your address in 3–5 working days.

• Shipping costs €5 and is free from €50.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

MOTS-c „exercise-like“ peptide?

Yes—is expressed during exercise and modulates metabolic genes, with some effects being exercise-mimetic (preclinical data).

Are there published human RCTs for efficacy?

At present limited; most data come from preclinical/observational sources.

In what form is MOTS-c supplied and how should it be stored?

It is supplied as a lyophilized (freeze-dried) powder in a sealed vial. Store the unopened vial dry and protected from light, ideally at 2–8 °C. After laboratory reconstitution, keep the solution at 2–8 °C and use it within the period stated in the “Laboratory reconstitution” tab (up to 60 days with Peptide Matrix Water).

Where can I buy MOTS-c in Europe and what does it cost?

You can buy MOTS-c in Europe online from Peptology, from 40,00 €. Delivery with GLS in 3–5 working days. Shipping is free from 50,00 €. Payment by card. Purity 99%+, with an HPLC report for every batch.

Laboratory Analysis

MOTS-c - 10 mg - Batch - 0226 - Purity

MOTS-c - 50 mg - Batch - 0226 - Purity