MOTS-c: Reference Overview and Reconstitution Notes

July 9, 2026

MOTS-c

What it is

MOTS-c (Mitochondrial ORF of the 12S rRNA type-c) is a small, 16-amino-acid peptide encoded within the 12S ribosomal RNA region of the mitochondrial genome. It belongs to the mitochondrial-derived peptide (MDP) family, a group of short peptides read from mitochondrial DNA rather than the nuclear genome, and its sequence is highly conserved across species.

Research context and categorization

MOTS-c is grouped under the metabolic and mitochondrial-function category of research compounds, and is often described in the literature as an "exercise mimetic" because of the metabolic pathways it is associated with. Mechanistically it is discussed as an activator of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), a central cellular energy sensor, and under metabolic stress it is reported to translocate to the nucleus, where it is studied for its influence on stress-response gene expression.

In preclinical work, most of which is in cell and rodent models, MOTS-c is investigated for its relationship to glucose utilization and insulin sensitivity, skeletal muscle metabolism, and whole-body energy balance. It is commonly discussed in relation to metabolic disorders such as insulin resistance and obesity, and, because circulating levels are reported to decline with age, in relation to aging and age-related metabolic decline. More recent studies discuss it in the context of tissue-specific questions such as cardiac and pancreatic islet function. These uses are investigational. They are the subject of ongoing study rather than confirmed or approved benefits, and there are no completed, published human efficacy trials establishing them, so early findings should not be read as established outcomes for general use.

Status

Regulatory status: Research-only. MOTS-c is not FDA-approved for any indication and is not legally marketed for human therapeutic use. Material sold for laboratory work is handled as a research-only compound.
Sport status: Prohibited under the WADA Prohibited List. MOTS-c is named within class S4 (Hormone and Metabolic Modulators), subsection S4.4 metabolic modulators, as an activator of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK). It is banned at all times, both in and out of competition, and was added to the list effective January 1, 2025. Any competing athlete should confirm current status with their national anti-doping authority.

Reconstitution notes (general)

MOTS-c is generally supplied as a lyophilized (freeze-dried) powder that is reconstituted before laboratory use. Concentration equals the milligrams of peptide in the vial divided by the millilitres of bacteriostatic water added. For example, a 10 mg vial plus 2 mL of water gives 5 mg/mL, while the same vial plus 1 mL gives 10 mg/mL. A reconstitution calculator is available at our reconstitution and blend calculators.

Dilution and handling notes (compound-specific)

MOTS-c is commonly prepared in roughly the 3 mg/mL to 10 mg/mL range. A frequent approach for a 10 mg vial is about 1 to 3 mL of bacteriostatic water, giving concentrations from about 10 mg/mL down to roughly 3.3 mg/mL, with smaller or larger vials scaled proportionally. The choice is driven mainly by the measuring volume that gives convenient, accurate handling rather than by a hard solubility ceiling, since a larger water volume spreads the same milligrams across more markings and makes small measurements easier to read.

Direct the water slowly down the inside wall of the vial rather than onto the powder cake, then let it dissolve passively and mix by gentle swirling or inversion. Do not shake, since vigorous agitation adds foam and mechanical stress. As a short, water-soluble peptide, MOTS-c generally goes into solution readily to give a clear, colorless liquid, so a preparation that stays cloudy, will not clear, or shows floaters is usually treated as a sign of degradation or contamination rather than a normal concentrated state. The peptide sequence contains methionine residues, which are prone to oxidation, so the material is treated as redox-sensitive and kept away from light and excess heat. The dry powder is best kept dry until mixing, since moisture absorbed before reconstitution can cause clumping that does not fully redissolve. Once in solution, MOTS-c is treated as temperature-sensitive and is noted to lose potency quickly when held above refrigeration temperature, so minimizing time at room temperature is a common handling practice.

Handling and storage

Store reconstituted material refrigerated at 2 to 8 degrees Celsius and keep it out of light. Wipe the rubber stopper with an alcohol swab before each puncture, and label the vial with the mix date. Observe the general refrigerated working window of about 4 weeks, keeping in mind that MOTS-c in solution is treated as temperature-sensitive, so shorter holds are common and time at room temperature should be minimized. Discard any solution that is cloudy, discolored, or contains visible particles or floaters. Lyophilized powder is more stable and is generally kept cold and light-protected, with freezer storage used for longer holds; repeated freeze-thaw cycles are avoided.

Tools and supplies

For laboratory and research reference only. Educational content, not medical, dosing, injection, or therapeutic guidance, and not intended for human or animal use. Any research uses described are investigational and not confirmed or approved benefits. Confirm anything involving health with a licensed professional. References linked above.