What is MOTS-c?
MOTS-c is a synthetic 16 amino acid peptide supplied as lyophilised powder for laboratory research. It belongs to the mitochondrial derived peptide family.
MOTS-c structure and origin
The sequence is MRWQEMGYIFYPRKLR. It is encoded by a short open reading frame within the mitochondrial 12S rRNA region, the MT-RNR1 gene, rather than by the nuclear genome. That origin is what defines the mitochondrial derived peptide class and is why these sequences are used as reference standards in mitochondrial biology work.
The mitochondrial derived peptide class
Mitochondrial derived peptides are a small group of sequences encoded within the mitochondrial genome. Because mitochondrial translation uses a different genetic code, translation of MOTS-c occurs in the cytoplasm using the standard code rather than inside the mitochondrion. That detail is part of what made the class notable when it was first described and is why these sequences are of interest as analytical reference material.
Analysis and certification
Each lot of MOTS-c is analysed by an independent laboratory using RP-HPLC with LC-MS identity confirmation before it is released for sale. The certificate of analysis is published against the lot number rather than the product page, so the document you read is the document for the vial you receive.
Research use only
NH Peptides supplies MOTS-c as an analytical reference standard for laboratory research. It is not supplied for any use in humans or animals, and no information on this page describes or implies any such use.
Purity specification for MOTS-C
Lots are released against a ≥99% purity specification, determined by RP-HPLC peak area. The figure for the lot you receive is stated on its certificate of analysis and may differ from the specification.
A specification is a release threshold, not a description of every lot. Where a measured figure and the specification differ, the certificate is the record that applies to your material. Analytical figures relate to the lot they are published against and carry no implication of suitability for any purpose beyond laboratory research.
| Compound |
MOTS-c |
| Also known as |
Mitochondrial open reading frame of the 12S rRNA-c |
| Class |
Synthetic peptide, mitochondrial derived peptide |
| Amino acids |
16 |
| Sequence |
MRWQEMGYIFYPRKLR |
| Encoded by |
Mitochondrial 12S rRNA region, MT-RNR1 |
| CAS number |
Stated on the certificate of analysis |
| Molecular formula |
Stated on the certificate of analysis |
| Molecular weight |
Stated on the certificate of analysis |
| Appearance |
White to off white lyophilised powder |
| Purity specification |
≥99% |
| Identity method |
LC-MS |
| Purity method |
RP-HPLC |
| Labelled quantity |
Per variation, stated on the vial label |
Characterisation. Sequence record: UniProt A0A0C5B5G6. Original identification: PubMed 25738459. Values for the lot supplied are stated on its certificate of analysis.
How MOTS-C is tested
Two separate analyses are carried out on every lot before it is released, and both appear on the certificate.
RP-HPLC, for purity
Reversed phase high performance liquid chromatography separates the material by hydrophobicity. The main peak is integrated against the total peak area to give the purity figure. This is what the ≥99% specification refers to, and it is a measure of how much of the material is the intended compound rather than related substances, residual reagents or truncated sequences.
LC-MS, for identity
Liquid chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry confirms that the material eluting in the main peak has the expected mass. Purity alone does not establish identity: a lot can be 99% pure and still be the wrong compound. The two analyses answer different questions and both are needed.
What arrives with the order
- The vial, labelled with compound, labelled quantity and lot number
- A dispatch note listing the lot numbers supplied
- A storage and handling sheet
- The certificate of analysis for the lot, published against the lot number
If any of these is missing, or if the lot number on the vial does not match the certificate, contact us before using the material.
Storing MOTS-c
Lyophilised material is shipped under cold chain and should be returned to freezer storage on arrival. Store the sealed vial dry at −20°C or below, protected from light and moisture.
Preparing MOTS-c stock solutions
Prepare stock solutions in sterile water or an appropriate aqueous buffer for analytical work, at a concentration suited to your assay. Confirm solubility against the certificate of analysis before preparing stocks.
Peptide solutions are less stable than lyophilised powder. Prepare close to the point of use, hold at 2–8°C for short periods only, and avoid repeated freeze and thaw cycles.
Handling and disposal
Assess the hazards of this material before handling and use appropriate controls and protective equipment. It has not been characterised toxicologically and should be treated as potentially hazardous.
Dispose of unused material, vials and packaging lawfully and in line with your institution's waste procedures. Anyone handling the material must be trained and competent to do so.
On receipt
Check the parcel before putting the material away. Three things are worth two minutes:
- Packaging integrity. Confirm the vial is intact, the seal is unbroken and the insulated packaging has not failed in transit.
- Lot number. Check the number on the vial label against the certificate of analysis and against the dispatch note. All three should agree.
- Return to storage. Move the material into its stated storage conditions promptly rather than leaving it at ambient temperature.
If anything does not match, or the packaging has clearly failed, contact us before using the material. Problems visible on arrival should be reported within 7 days so a carrier claim remains possible.
Record keeping
Record the lot number in your notes at the point of first use, alongside the date the vial was opened and the concentration of any stock solution prepared. Certificates are published against the lot number rather than the product, so the lot number is the only reliable link between your results and the analytical data for the material that produced them.
That link matters later. If a question arises about a result months after the work, the lot number is what makes the material traceable and the work auditable.