MOTS-C

MOTS-C (CAS 1457116-20-9) is a 16-amino acid peptide encoded within the 12S rRNA region of the mitochondrial genome — not the nuclear genome like most peptide hormones. First identified at the University of Southern California in 2015, MOTS-C has been studied for: improving insulin sensitivity and glucose uptake in high-fat diet rodent models, activating AMPK (the master cellular energy regulator) under metabolic stress, improving exercise tolerance and endurance capacity in preclinical models, examining age-related metabolic changes (plasma MOTS-C levels fall with age), examining adipose-tissue biology in metabolic models, and extending lifespan in C. elegans models. For research use only.

MOTS-C, Epitalon, and NAD+ address ageing through entirely different biological mechanisms. MOTS-C is a mitochondria-derived peptide that activates AMPK via nuclear translocation — directly improving cellular energy metabolism and insulin sensitivity. Epitalon is a tetrapeptide that activates telomerase, with longevity research focused on telomere length and circadian biology. NAD+ is a coenzyme (not a peptide) that supports mitochondrial ATP production and sirtuins as a substrate. Each targets a different aspect of the ageing process and they are not interchangeable research tools. Not for human consumption — for research use only.

AMPK (AMP-activated protein kinase) is the cell's master energy sensor. When cellular energy is low or under metabolic stress, AMPK is activated and triggers increased glucose uptake and fatty acid oxidation, inhibition of energy-consuming processes, improved mitochondrial biogenesis, and downregulation of inflammatory pathways. Under metabolic stress, MOTS-C translocates from the mitochondria to the cell nucleus and activates AMPK directly — an unusual signalling mechanism for a mitochondrial peptide. This nuclear translocation and AMPK activation is the primary proposed mechanism behind MOTS-C's observed effects on insulin sensitivity, fat metabolism, and exercise capacity. Not for human consumption — for research use only.

One of the key findings in MOTS-C research is that physical exercise dynamically increases circulating MOTS-C levels in rodent models. In reciprocal experiments, MOTS-C administration to sedentary animals replicated some metabolic adaptations normally seen with exercise training — including improved glucose tolerance, increased skeletal muscle fatty acid utilisation, and enhanced endurance capacity. This has led researchers to propose MOTS-C as a potential 'exercise mimetic' — a signal the body normally releases in response to exercise-induced mitochondrial stress. Not for human consumption — for research use only.

Reconstitution: Draw 1–2mL of bacteriostatic water into a clean 31G insulin syringe. Inject slowly down the inside wall of the MOTS-C vial. Gently swirl until fully dissolved. The solution should be clear and colourless. Common concentration: 1mL BAC water = 10mg/mL; 2mL = 5mg/mL. Storage: Lyophilised — store at −20°C for up to 24 months. Reconstituted — refrigerate at 2–8°C and use within 28 days. Protect from light.

MOTS-C is legal to purchase in Australia for legitimate laboratory research purposes. It is not listed as a scheduled substance under the Poisons Standard when sold for research use only. Purchasers must be 18+ and confirm research-only use. It is not TGA-approved for human consumption, therapeutic, or veterinary use. Our MOTS-C 10mg is independently verified at 99.0% HPLC purity with full COA documentation. Peptide Warehouse Australia dispatches nationwide from our Australian warehouse via Australia Post.