Summary
MOTS-c (Mitochondrial Open Reading frame of the Twelve S rRNA type-c) is a 16-amino-acid peptide encoded within the mitochondrial 12S rRNA gene. It is one of the first characterized members of the mitochondrial-derived peptide (MDP) family and is studied in metabolic-signaling literature.
Overview
MOTS-c was identified through analysis of small open reading frames within the mitochondrial genome. It is one of a small but growing family of MDPs and is studied as evidence that mitochondria can act as signaling organelles that release bioactive peptides with effects in other tissues.
Research Background
MOTS-c was identified and characterized by Lee, Cohen, and colleagues at USC, with the original paper published in Cell Metabolism in 2015. Subsequent work has examined its role in AMPK-pathway signaling, folate-cycle interactions, and broader energy-metabolism literature.
Mechanisms Studied
Mechanistic interest centers on AMPK activation, folate-cycle modulation through interaction with AICAR/methionine-cycle enzymes, and the relationship between mitochondrial-derived peptides and energy-metabolism pathways. MOTS-c is also studied in literature on how mitochondrial peptides distribute to other tissues and signal at a distance.
Published Research Summary
Lee et al. (2015, Cell Metabolism) describe the original identification and metabolic characterization of MOTS-c. Subsequent work by Kim, Lee, and colleagues (2018) examines its role as a stress-responsive mitochondrial peptide. Reichert and Stier (2017) provide a review of the broader MDP family.
Quality & Verification
For research compounds, lot-level documentation is the starting point for any analytical work. Researchers commonly examine batch-specific Certificates of Analysis, reversed-phase HPLC purity readouts, mass-spectrometry confirmation of molecular weight, and lot identification to evaluate compound identity, purity, and consistency before downstream experiments.
References & Published Research
- Lee C et al. — The Mitochondrial-Derived Peptide MOTS-c Promotes Metabolic Homeostasis and Reduces Obesity and Insulin Resistance
- Kim KH et al. — The Mitochondrial-Encoded Peptide MOTS-c Translocates to the Nucleus to Regulate Nuclear Gene Expression in Response to Metabolic Stress
- Lee C, Yen K, Cohen P — Humanin: a harbinger of mitochondrial-derived peptides? (review of the MDP family)