MOTS-c
MOTS-c is a 16-residue peptide (MRWQEMGYIFYPRKLR) encoded by a short open reading frame within the mitochondrial 12S rRNA gene.
- TypePeptide
- FormulaC101H152N28O22S2
- Average mass2174.59 g/mol
- CAS1627580-64-6
- Vesta listings4
Reference page for laboratory use · updated 2026-10-30
Overview
MOTS-c at a glance
MOTS-c is one of the mitochondrial-derived peptides. The original paper (Cell Metabolism, 2015) described its metabolic effects in mice, and later work covers exercise-induced expression and an interaction with casein kinase 2.
Because it is encoded by mitochondrial DNA, it is widely used in studies of mitochondria-to-nucleus signalling.
Structure
The sequence contains two methionine residues (positions 1 and 5), a tryptophan and two tyrosines. The calculated formula matches PubChem exactly.
Identity
Identity data
| Name | MOTS-c |
|---|---|
| Also written as | Mitochondrial open reading frame of the 12S rRNA-c |
| Type | Peptide |
| Research area | Mitochondria-related peptides |
| Molecular formula | C101H152N28O22S2 |
| Monoisotopic mass | 2173.1077 Da |
| Average molecular weight | 2174.59 g/mol |
| CAS number | 1627580-64-6 |
| Sequence | MRWQEMGYIFYPRKLR |
| PubChem record | CID 146675088 |
The formula was calculated independently from the written sequence and matches the PubChem record exactly. Reference data retrieved on 2026-10-30. Compare these values with the batch certificate of analysis, using the compound identity file template.
Expected values
Mass spectrometry reference
Ions calculated from the monoisotopic mass 2173.1077 Da. Use them to check an LC-MS result; for larger peptides the instrument usually reports a deconvoluted mass close to 2174.6 Da instead.
| Ion | m/z |
|---|---|
| [M+H]+ | 2174.1150 |
| [M+2H]2+ | 1087.5611 |
| [M+3H]3+ | 725.3765 |
Read the guide to average and monoisotopic mass for how these values are calculated.
Quality
Analytical notes for batch documents
- Both methionines can oxidise, giving +15.995 Da and +31.990 Da species; a COA should list them if they exceed the reporting threshold.
- Vesta lists MOTS-c at 10, 15, 20 and 40 mg per vial.
- Mass shifts to look for in this sequence: methionine oxidation (+15.995 Da, up to +31.990 Da for two); tryptophan oxidation (+15.995 Da); deamidation of Asn or Gln (+0.984 Da).
- The molecular weight of a vial of powder includes counter-ions and water; the share of the powder that is peptide is the net peptide content.
Vesta listings
MOTS-c formats and prices
| Product | Per vial | SKU | Price per kit | Price per vial |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MOTS-c | 10 mg | MS10 | $95.15 | $9.52 |
| MOTS-c | 15 mg | MS15 | $126.87 | $12.69 |
| MOTS-c | 20 mg | MS20 | $158.58 | $15.86 |
| MOTS-c | 40 mg | MS40 | $287.31 | $28.73 |
Prices are per kit of 10 vials in US dollars. Shipping is paid by the customer and is shown in the cart. Volume savings of 5 %, 8 % and 10 % apply from $350.00, $600.00 and $1,000.00. See the full price list.
Published literature
Selected scientific literature
Bibliographic details were read from PubMed on 2026-10-30. The papers are listed for scientific reference; Vesta makes no claim about the use of its research materials in people or animals.
- The mitochondrial-derived peptide MOTS-c promotes metabolic homeostasis and reduces obesity and insulin resistanceLee C, Zeng J, Drew BG et al. · Cell Metab · 2015 · PMID 25738459
- MOTS-c is an exercise-induced mitochondrial-encoded regulator of age-dependent physical decline and muscle homeostasisReynolds JC, Lai RW, Woodhead JST et al. · Nat Commun · 2021 · PMID 33473109
- MOTS-c: A promising mitochondrial-derived peptide for therapeutic exploitationZheng Y, Wei Z, Wang T et al. · Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) · 2023 · PMID 36761202
Questions
Frequently asked questions
What is MOTS-c?
MOTS-c is a 16-residue peptide (MRWQEMGYIFYPRKLR) encoded by a short open reading frame within the mitochondrial 12S rRNA gene.
What is the molecular weight of MOTS-c?
MOTS-c has the formula C101H152N28O22S2, an average molecular weight of 2174.59 g/mol and a monoisotopic mass of 2173.1077 Da. A salt form, a different counter-ion or a metal complex changes the molecular weight printed on a certificate of analysis, so compare like with like.
How can I check the identity of a batch of MOTS-c?
Compare the intact mass measured by LC-MS with the expected values on this page, for example [M+2H]2+ at m/z 1087.5611. Confirm that one main HPLC peak carries that mass and that the batch code on the report matches the vial. The guides on mass spectrometry and on certificates of analysis explain each step.
Which MOTS-c products does Vesta list?
Vesta lists 4 products for MOTS-c: 10 mg, 15 mg, 20 mg, 40 mg per vial in kits of 10 vials. Prices are shown per kit in US dollars, and shipping is paid by the customer.