MOTS-c UK — Mitochondrial-Derived Peptide Research Guide
MOTS-c (Mitochondrial Open Reading Frame of the 12S rRNA type-c) is a 16-amino-acid peptide encoded not in the nuclear genome but in mitochondrial DNA. Its discovery helped establish the concept of mitochondrial-derived peptides as signalling molecules in their own right.
This page covers what MOTS-c is, the AMPK pathway research it is associated with, and how it differs from SS-31.
For in vitro research use only — not for human or animal consumption. Not a licensed medicine in the UK. Nothing on this page is medical advice.
What is MOTS-c?
MOTS-c is transcribed from mitochondrial DNA rather than nuclear DNA — an unusual property that made it significant when first characterised. It is described in the literature as a retrograde signalling molecule: information travelling from the mitochondria outward to the rest of the cell, including the nucleus.
The AMPK research pathway
Published research associates MOTS-c with activation of AMPK, a cellular energy sensor that responds to the ratio of AMP to ATP. AMPK is one of the most studied nodes in metabolic biology, which is why a mitochondrially encoded peptide that influences it attracted rapid research attention.
Work in this area is largely preclinical. It is described here as published research context only.
MOTS-c vs SS-31
Both are studied in mitochondrial contexts but act very differently. MOTS-c is a signalling peptide associated with AMPK activation. SS-31 is a cell-permeable tetrapeptide that localises to the inner mitochondrial membrane and interacts with cardiolipin. Different mechanisms, same organelle.
Handling and storage
Supplied lyophilised in 40mg vials. Reconstitute with bacteriostatic water added slowly down the vial wall, swirl rather than shake, then store at 2–8°C and use within 28 days.
Buying this peptide in the UK
- UK-held stock — same working day dispatch on orders before 2pm, Mon–Fri.
- Royal Mail Tracked 24 with photo confirmation on every parcel.
- Independent HPLC and mass-spec testing with a batch-matched Certificate of Analysis.
- Discreet plain packaging and normal UK card checkout — no crypto required.
- Free 4 needles + 4 alcohol swabs with every vial — opt in at checkout.
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View full shopFrequently asked questions
What makes MOTS-c different from other peptides?
It is encoded in mitochondrial DNA rather than nuclear DNA, which places it in the class of mitochondrial-derived peptides — signalling molecules produced by the mitochondria themselves.
Is MOTS-c legal in the UK?
MOTS-c is legal to buy and possess in the UK for laboratory research purposes. It is not a licensed medicine in the UK, is not prescribed by the NHS, and is supplied strictly for in vitro research use only — not for human or animal consumption.
How is MOTS-c reconstituted?
MOTS-c is supplied lyophilised. Add bacteriostatic water slowly down the inside wall of the vial and swirl gently — never shake, as agitation can damage the peptide chain. Once dissolved, store at 2–8°C and use within 28 days. Use our free peptide calculator for exact volumes rather than following generic charts.
Do you supply a Certificate of Analysis for MOTS-c?
Yes. Every batch is independently HPLC and mass-spec tested and the batch number on the vial matches a published Certificate of Analysis, so purity can be verified before use.
How fast is UK delivery?
Stock is held in the UK. Orders placed before 2pm Monday–Friday are dispatched the same working day by Royal Mail Tracked 24 with photo confirmation, in discreet plain packaging with no product names on the outside.
Disclaimer: All products sold by Peptides UK 4U are for laboratory and research purposes only. They are not intended for human or animal consumption, diagnosis, treatment or prevention of any disease.