/* ─── Design Tokens ───────────────────────────────── */
:root {
–bg: #fdfdfd;
–navy: #00447c;
–accent: #088fc9;
–accent-lt: #e6f4fb;
/* MOTS-c palette — deep warm charcoal + mitochondrial orange */
–mito: #271600;
–mito-mid: #7a3800;
–mito-bright: #c85808;
–mito-lt: #fef5eb;
–mito-border: #edc4a0;
/* Research domain colours */
–dom-ampk: #1a4a2a; /* AMPK / metabolic — dark green */
–dom-ins: #1a2d5a; /* Insulin / glucose — dark navy */
–dom-ex: #5a1a00; /* Exercise physiology — dark rust */
–dom-age: #3a1a5a; /* Ageing / longevity — dark violet */
–text: #1a2535;
–muted: #5a6778;
–border: #d6dde6;
–success: #0a7c4e;
–warn-bg: #fff8e6;
–warn-border: #e6a817;
–radius: 6px;
–font-body: ‘DM Sans’, sans-serif;
–font-mono: ‘DM Mono’, monospace;
}
*, *::before, *::after { box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0; padding: 0; }
body {
background: var(–bg);
color: var(–text);
font-family: var(–font-body);
font-size: 15.5px;
line-height: 1.72;
-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased;
}
.bp-wrap { max-width: 860px; margin: 0 auto; padding: 0 20px; }
/* ─── Sections ────────────────────────────────────── */
section { padding: 52px 0; border-bottom: 1px solid var(–border); }
section:last-of-type { border-bottom: none; }
/* ─── Typography ──────────────────────────────────── */
h1, h2, h3 { font-weight: 600; letter-spacing: -0.02em; line-height: 1.25; }
h1 { font-size: clamp(1.65rem, 4vw, 2.2rem); color: var(–mito); margin-bottom: 16px; }
h2 { font-size: 1.35rem; color: var(–navy); margin-bottom: 18px; padding-bottom: 10px; border-bottom: 2px solid var(–mito-lt); }
h3 { font-size: 1.05rem; color: var(–navy); margin-bottom: 10px; }
p { margin-bottom: 14px; color: var(–text); }
p:last-child { margin-bottom: 0; }
/* ─── Chip ────────────────────────────────────────── */
.bp-chip {
display: inline-block;
background: var(–mito-lt);
color: var(–mito-mid);
font-size: 0.72rem; font-weight: 600;
letter-spacing: 0.09em; text-transform: uppercase;
padding: 4px 10px; border-radius: 20px;
margin-bottom: 14px; border: 1px solid var(–mito-border);
}
/* ─── Hero ────────────────────────────────────────── */
.bp-hero { padding: 56px 0 44px; border-bottom: 1px solid var(–border); }
.bp-hero-inner { display: flex; align-items: flex-start; gap: 36px; }
.bp-hero-text { flex: 1; }
/* MOTS-c badge — dark charcoal gradient with mtDNA tag */
.bp-hero-badge {
flex-shrink: 0;
min-width: 148px;
border-radius: var(–radius);
overflow: hidden;
box-shadow: 0 4px 22px rgba(39,22,0,0.22);
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.bp-badge-main {
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.bp-badge-main .purity-val {
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.bp-badge-main .purity-label {
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/* Identifier strip — residue count + origin */
.bp-badge-id {
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.bp-badge-id-pill {
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.bp-badge-id-pill .id-val {
display: block; font-size: 0.88rem; font-weight: 700;
color: #fff; letter-spacing: -0.01em; line-height: 1;
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.bp-badge-id-pill .id-label {
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.bp-badge-id { flex: 1; border-top: none; border-left: 1px solid rgba(255,255,255,0.12);
flex-direction: column; justify-content: center; }
}
/* ─── Inline Trust Badge ──────────────────────────── */
.bp-inline-badge {
display: inline-flex; align-items: center; gap: 5px;
background: #eaf7ef; color: var(–success);
font-size: 0.75rem; font-weight: 600;
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}
.bp-inline-badge::before { content: ‘✓’; font-size: 0.7rem; }
/* ─── Key Features ────────────────────────────────── */
.bp-features {
list-style: none; display: grid;
grid-template-columns: 1fr 1fr; gap: 10px 24px; margin-top: 6px;
}
@media (max-width: 520px) { .bp-features { grid-template-columns: 1fr; } }
.bp-features li {
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background: var(–mito-bright); margin-top: 6px;
}
.bp-features li strong { color: var(–navy); font-weight: 500; }
/* ─── mtDNA Origin Explainer ──────────────────────── */
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.bp-origin-sidebar {
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}
.bp-origin-body {
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font-size: 0.87rem; color: var(–text); line-height: 1.68;
}
.bp-origin-body h3 { font-size: 0.92rem; margin-bottom: 8px; }
.bp-origin-body p { margin-bottom: 0; }
@media (max-width: 540px) {
.bp-origin-block { flex-direction: column; }
.bp-origin-sidebar { flex-direction: row; min-width: unset; padding: 14px 16px; }
.bp-origin-body { border-left: none; border-top: 1px solid var(–border); }
}
/* ─── Research Domain Cards ───────────────────────── */
.bp-domain-grid {
display: grid; grid-template-columns: 1fr 1fr;
gap: 14px; margin: 20px 0 0;
}
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}
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.bp-domain-card-body {
padding: 14px; background: #fff;
font-size: 0.84rem; color: var(–muted); line-height: 1.62;
}
/* ─── Pathway Flow ────────────────────────────────── */
.bp-pathway {
display: flex; align-items: center; gap: 0;
border: 1px solid var(–border); border-radius: var(–radius);
overflow: hidden; margin: 18px 0 0; flex-wrap: wrap;
}
.bp-pathway-step {
flex: 1; padding: 12px 14px; background: #fff; text-align: center;
border-right: 1px solid var(–border); min-width: 110px;
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.bp-pathway-step:last-child { border-right: none; }
.bp-pathway-step .step-label {
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letter-spacing: 0.09em; text-transform: uppercase; color: var(–muted);
margin-bottom: 4px;
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.bp-pathway-step .step-name {
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color: var(–navy); line-height: 1.2;
}
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.bp-pathway-arrow {
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font-weight: 300; flex-shrink: 0; background: #fff;
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@media (max-width: 560px) {
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.bp-pathway-step:last-child { border-bottom: none; }
.bp-pathway-arrow { display: none; }
}
/* ─── Context / Research Notes ────────────────────── */
.bp-context-note {
background: var(–accent-lt); border-left: 3px solid var(–accent);
border-radius: 0 var(–radius) var(–radius) 0;
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}
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border-radius: 0 var(–radius) var(–radius) 0;
padding: 14px 18px; margin: 18px 0 0; font-size: 0.86rem; color: var(–mito);
}
.bp-mito-note strong { color: var(–mito-mid); }
/* ─── Specs Table ─────────────────────────────────── */
.bp-table-wrap { overflow-x: auto; margin-top: 4px; }
.bp-table { width: 100%; border-collapse: collapse; font-size: 0.875rem; }
.bp-table thead th {
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color: var(–mito-mid); border: 1px solid var(–mito-border);
}
/* ─── QA Cards ────────────────────────────────────── */
.bp-qa-grid {
display: grid; grid-template-columns: repeat(auto-fit, minmax(190px, 1fr));
gap: 14px; margin-top: 8px;
}
.bp-qa-card { border: 1px solid var(–border); border-radius: var(–radius); padding: 18px 16px; background: #fff; }
.bp-qa-card .qa-icon { font-size: 1.4rem; margin-bottom: 8px; display: block; }
.bp-qa-card h3 { font-size: 0.88rem; margin-bottom: 6px; }
.bp-qa-card p { font-size: 0.82rem; color: var(–muted); margin-bottom: 0; }
/* ─── Storage Cards ───────────────────────────────── */
.bp-storage-grid {
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gap: 12px; margin-top: 8px;
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.bp-storage-card {
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color: var(–muted); margin-bottom: 5px;
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.bp-storage-card p { font-size: 0.88rem; font-weight: 500; color: var(–navy); margin: 0; }
/* ─── Disclaimer ──────────────────────────────────── */
.bp-disclaimer {
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border-radius: var(–radius); padding: 20px 22px; margin-top: 4px;
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.bp-disclaimer h2 {
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}
.bp-disclaimer p { font-size: 0.84rem; color: #5a3b00; margin-bottom: 8px; }
/* ─── FAQ Accordion ───────────────────────────────── */
.bp-faq { margin-top: 6px; }
.bp-faq details {
border: 1px solid var(–border); border-radius: var(–radius);
margin-bottom: 8px; background: #fff; overflow: hidden;
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MOTS-c
Mitochondrial ORF of the 12S rRNA-c · mtDNA-Encoded Peptide
MOTS-c (Mitochondrial Open reading frame of the twelve S rRNA-c) is a 16-amino acid
peptide encoded within the 12S ribosomal RNA locus of the human mitochondrial genome,
representing one of a class of mitochondrial-derived peptides (MDPs) identified as
bioactive signalling molecules with systemic metabolic regulatory roles. First
characterised by Lee et al. at the University of Southern California in 2015, MOTS-c
is supplied by Baltic Peptides as a lyophilised research peptide at ≥99% analytical
purity, independently verified by third-party HPLC and mass spectrometry analysis.
This compound is made available exclusively for in vitro and preclinical research
purposes by qualified scientific investigators and licensed research institutions.
Third-Party Verified · COA Available · EU Dispatch
Analytical Purity
HPLC · Mass Spec Verified
Residues
Encoded
Key Features
-
Purity — ≥99% by HPLC analysis
-
Form — Lyophilised powder, single-use vials
-
Storage (long-term) — −20 °C, desiccated, from light
-
Storage (short-term) — 2–8 °C, up to 4 weeks
-
Solubility — Sterile water, PBS, bacteriostatic water
-
Classification — Research Use Only (RUO)
-
Testing — Independent third-party batch verification
-
Documentation — Certificate of Analysis (COA) per batch
Scientific Overview
Compound Background & Mitochondrial Origin
MOTS-c occupies a unique position in peptide research as one of the first confirmed
bioactive peptides encoded not within the nuclear genome, but within the mitochondrial
genome itself — specifically within a short open reading frame (ORF) embedded in the
12S ribosomal RNA (12S rRNA) gene of the human mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA). The
mitochondrial genome, comprising only 16,569 base pairs, was long considered to encode
exclusively 13 protein-coding genes, 22 transfer RNAs, and 2 ribosomal RNAs. The
identification of MOTS-c and related mitochondrial-derived peptides (MDPs) such as
humanin and SHLP1–6 has substantially revised this view, establishing mtDNA as a source
of biologically active signalling peptides with systemic regulatory roles.
What Makes MOTS-c Structurally Unique
Unlike all other research peptides in the Baltic Peptides catalogue, MOTS-c is a
mitochondrial-derived peptide (MDP) — its sequence is translated from an open
reading frame within the 12S rRNA gene of the circular mitochondrial genome. The
peptide uses a non-standard mitochondrial genetic code in which the AGA codon
encodes serine rather than arginine, producing the 16-residue sequence
Met-Arg-Trp-Gln-Glu-Met-Gly-Tyr-Ile-Phe-Tyr-Pro-Arg-Lys-Leu-Arg (MRWQEMGYIFYPRKLR).
Endogenous MOTS-c is produced in mitochondria and can translocate to the nucleus
under metabolic stress conditions, where it has been shown to regulate gene expression
relevant to metabolic homeostasis.
Primary Research Domains
MOTS-c research has been documented across interconnected metabolic and ageing biology
domains in preclinical model systems:
is activation of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), a master regulator of
cellular energy homeostasis. In skeletal muscle cell models and rodent in vivo
studies, MOTS-c administration has been associated with AMPK phosphorylation and
downstream activation of metabolic gene programmes regulating fatty acid oxidation,
glucose uptake, and mitochondrial biogenesis — pathways of broad relevance to
metabolic disease research.
type 2 diabetes model systems. In high-fat diet rodent models, MOTS-c administration
has been associated with improved whole-body insulin sensitivity, enhanced skeletal
muscle glucose uptake, and modulation of the AICAR/AMPK/GLUT4 pathway. The compound
has been studied as a research probe for mechanistic interrogation of mitochondrial-nuclear
communication in the context of metabolic dysfunction.
peptide — with circulating levels shown to increase following physical exertion in
human subjects, and with preclinical evidence of MOTS-c producing exercise-like
metabolic adaptations in sedentary rodent models. This positions MOTS-c as a research
tool compound in exercise physiology and in studies examining AMPK-mediated
exercise mimicry independent of mechanical muscle loading.
a pattern paralleled by other MDPs and associated with increased susceptibility to
metabolic dysfunction. In C. elegans and murine ageing models, MOTS-c has been
investigated for effects on healthspan and metabolic resilience. Its role in
mitochondrial-nuclear communication under energetic stress has additionally attracted
interest in the context of mitohormesis and age-related mitochondrial dysfunction
research.
Signalling Pathway Architecture (Research Context)
The mechanistic cascade most consistently associated with MOTS-c in preclinical
research proceeds through the following sequence of molecular events:
mtDNA Translation → MOTS-c
Folate Cycle / AICAR Accumulation
AMPK Phosphorylation
Metabolic Gene Regulation / GLUT4 / FAO
activity involves inhibition of the folate cycle and de novo purine biosynthesis, leading
to intracellular accumulation of AICAR (5-aminoimidazole-4-carboxamide ribonucleotide),
a natural AMP-kinase activator. This provides a biochemical link between mitochondrial
peptide signalling and cytoplasmic metabolic sensing via the AMPK pathway — a mechanistic
axis of significant interest in metabolic disease and exercise physiology research.
derived from in vitro, C. elegans, and rodent preclinical model studies, and published
observational human data. MOTS-c has not been evaluated in registered clinical trials.
The findings described do not constitute therapeutic claims. This compound is supplied
exclusively for laboratory investigation by qualified researchers.
Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Compound Name | MOTS-c (Mitochondrial ORF of the 12S rRNA-c) |
| Compound Class | Mitochondrial-derived peptide (MDP); synthetic 16-mer |
| Amino Acid Sequence | Met-Arg-Trp-Gln-Glu-Met-Gly-Tyr-Ile-Phe-Tyr-Pro-Arg-Lys-Leu-Arg (MRWQEMGYIFYPRKLR) |
| Molecular Formula | C₁₀₇H₁₆₁N₂₉O₂₇S₂ |
| Molecular Weight | ~2173.7 g/mol |
| CAS Number | 1627580-64-6 |
| Purity | ≥99% (HPLC verified per batch) |
| Form | Lyophilised powder |
| Appearance | White to off-white powder |
| Solubility | Sterile water, PBS (pH 7.0–7.4), bacteriostatic water (≥1 mg/mL) |
| Long-Term Storage | −20 °C, desiccated, protected from light |
| Short-Term Storage | 2–8 °C, sealed vial, up to 4 weeks |
| Reconstituted Stability | Up to 14 days at 2–8 °C; avoid freeze-thaw cycling |
| Primary Research Domain | Metabolic regulation, AMPK signalling, mitochondrial biology |
| Research Classification | Research Use Only (RUO) |
Lab Testing & Quality Assurance
At 16 amino acids and approximately 2,174 g/mol, MOTS-c occupies an intermediate size
range that requires analytical methodology capable of resolving both truncated impurities
and oxidation variants — particularly at the two methionine residues at positions 1 and 6.
Each Baltic Peptides batch undergoes independent multi-method verification at a third-party
accredited laboratory prior to release, with full analytical documentation provided per lot.
HPLC Purity Analysis
Reverse-phase HPLC confirms ≥99% purity with quantified impurity profiling, including detection of Met-sulfoxide variants at positions 1 and 6, truncated sequences, and synthesis-related impurities.
Mass Spectrometry
High-resolution ESI-MS confirms the correct molecular mass of ~2173.7 g/mol, verifying the intact 16-residue MRWQEMGYIFYPRKLR sequence and the oxidation state of both methionine residues.
Certificate of Analysis
A batch-specific COA documenting HPLC purity data, mass spectrometry identity confirmation, lot number, manufacturing and testing dates, and method references is issued per production lot.
Third-Party Verification
All analytical data is generated by independent accredited external laboratories, providing researchers with fully auditable, conflict-free quality documentation for each production batch.
Certificates of Analysis for current MOTS-c batches are available upon request through
the Baltic Peptides support portal. All lot-specific documentation is archived and
fully traceable from synthesis through to final release testing.
Storage & Handling Guidelines
MOTS-c contains two methionine residues (positions 1 and 6) that are susceptible to
oxidation in solution, yielding Met-sulfoxide variants detectable by both HPLC and mass
spectrometry. Appropriate storage and handling protocols minimise this degradation
pathway and preserve the analytical and functional specification of the compound
throughout its research lifecycle:
Lyophilised (Unopened)
Store at −20 °C, desiccated. Stable for 24 months from manufacture date. Protect from light to limit Met residue photo-oxidation.
Short-Term (Unopened)
2–8 °C acceptable for up to 4 weeks. Retain sealed vial in original light-protective packaging until the point of use.
Reconstituted Solution
Refrigerate at 2–8 °C in a closed, light-protected container. Use within 14 days. Avoid freeze-thaw cycling of the reconstituted product.
Reconstitution Notes
Add PBS or sterile water slowly along the vial wall; swirl gently — do not vortex. Consider degassed solvent to minimise dissolved-oxygen-driven Met oxidation in long-term solution use.
⚠ Research Use Only — Important Notice
All products supplied by Baltic Peptides are designated exclusively for
in vitro research, preclinical investigation, and laboratory study
by qualified professionals operating within appropriately licensed or regulated
research environments.
MOTS-c is not approved for human or veterinary therapeutic use by any
national medicines regulatory authority, including the EMA, FDA, or MHRA. It has not
been evaluated in registered human clinical trials and is not intended for
self-administration, clinical application, or any use outside of legitimate
controlled scientific research. The existence of published observational human data
examining endogenous circulating MOTS-c levels does not alter the research-only
classification of synthetic MOTS-c as supplied by Baltic Peptides.
By completing a purchase, the buyer confirms their status as a qualified researcher
and explicitly acknowledges the research-use-only classification of this compound.
Baltic Peptides assumes no liability for any use of this product beyond its stated
research designation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is MOTS-c used for in scientific research?
MOTS-c research peptide is investigated as a metabolic and mitochondrial biology tool
compound across a range of preclinical model systems. Documented research applications include:
- AMPK pathway activation — mechanistic studies of AMP-kinase-mediated metabolic signalling
- Insulin sensitivity research — skeletal muscle glucose uptake and GLUT4 translocation models
- Metabolic disease models — high-fat diet rodent studies of obesity and insulin resistance
- Folate cycle and de novo purine biosynthesis inhibition — upstream AICAR accumulation studies
- Exercise physiology — AMPK mimetic research and exercise-responsive peptide characterisation
- Ageing and longevity biology — C. elegans and murine healthspan models
- Mitochondrial-nuclear communication — stress-responsive mtDNA peptide signalling research
- Mitochondrial-derived peptide (MDP) comparative pharmacology with humanin and SHLP peptides
MOTS-c has not been evaluated in registered clinical trials and is supplied strictly
for laboratory-based scientific investigation.
Why is MOTS-c’s mitochondrial genome origin scientifically significant?
The discovery that functional bioactive peptides are encoded within the mitochondrial
genome — specifically within sequences previously considered non-coding or structural —
represents a significant revision to the understood scope of mitochondrial biology.
The mitochondrial genome was previously thought to encode only 13 structural proteins,
22 tRNAs, and 2 rRNAs, with no known peptide hormones or signalling molecules. MOTS-c
and related mitochondrial-derived peptides (MDPs) demonstrate that mtDNA contains
additional functional open reading frames capable of producing bioactive peptides
that exit the mitochondria and act at cytoplasmic, nuclear, and systemic levels.
For researchers studying mitochondrial biology, cellular stress responses, or
retrograde mitochondrial-to-nuclear signalling, MOTS-c provides a validated endogenous
tool compound for mechanistic interrogation of this newly characterised communication pathway.
How should MOTS-c peptide be stored to prevent methionine oxidation?
MOTS-c contains methionine residues at positions 1 and 6 of its 16-residue sequence,
both of which are susceptible to oxidation to Met-sulfoxide in the presence of
dissolved oxygen, particularly in solution and under UV light exposure. In lyophilised
form, oxidation risk is minimal when the vial is stored at −20 °C in a sealed,
desiccated, light-protected container. Once reconstituted, the risk of oxidation
increases with solution exposure time and temperature; solutions should be used within
14 days, stored at 2–8 °C in a closed light-protected container, and produced using
degassed or nitrogen-purged solvent where maximal solution stability is required.
Repeated freeze-thaw cycling of reconstituted product should be avoided. Met-sulfoxide
formation produces a characteristic +16 Da mass shift detectable by ESI-MS, which
researchers can use as an analytical endpoint for solution quality assessment.
What does ≥99% purity mean for MOTS-c and why is it important for AMPK research?
A purity specification of ≥99% indicates that at least 99% of the total material,
by mass, is confirmed to be the intact, non-oxidised 16-residue MOTS-c sequence,
as determined by reverse-phase HPLC. For MOTS-c specifically, the most
analytically relevant impurities to monitor are Met-sulfoxide variants (from
oxidation at positions 1 or 6), truncated N- or C-terminal sequence fragments,
and deamidated forms. Identity is confirmed orthogonally by high-resolution ESI-MS
confirming the intact ~2173.7 g/mol molecular mass. In AMPK activation and insulin
sensitivity research assays, the presence of truncated peptide impurities is
particularly problematic: even small fragments of the MOTS-c sequence may interact
with folate cycle enzymes or AMPK regulatory subunits in non-predictable ways,
confounding mechanistic attribution of experimental results. High-purity material
is therefore a prerequisite for reproducible and interpretable metabolic research
with this compound.
Is a Certificate of Analysis available for MOTS-c?
Yes. Baltic Peptides issues a batch-specific Certificate of Analysis for every
production lot of MOTS-c research peptide. Each COA documents HPLC purity data
including methionine oxidation profiling, mass spectrometry identity and oxidation
state confirmation, lot number, manufacturing and testing dates, and the analytical
method parameters applied by the third-party testing laboratory. Researchers may
request the current batch COA via the Baltic Peptides support portal prior to or
following purchase. All historical lot documentation is archived and available on
inquiry.
How does MOTS-c relate to other mitochondrial-derived peptides such as humanin?
MOTS-c and humanin are both mitochondrial-derived peptides (MDPs) encoded within the
mitochondrial genome, but they differ substantially in their genomic locus, sequence,
and primary research activity profile. Humanin is encoded within the 16S rRNA gene of
the mitochondrial genome and has been primarily studied in the context of
cytoprotection, apoptosis inhibition, and neuroprotection — particularly in
Alzheimer’s disease and ischaemia research models. MOTS-c is encoded within the
12S rRNA gene and has been predominantly investigated in metabolic contexts: AMPK
activation, insulin sensitivity, and exercise biology. Both peptides share the
property of declining endogenous levels with ageing, and both are subjects of active
research in longevity biology. For researchers studying the MDP class as a whole,
MOTS-c and humanin represent mechanistically distinct but conceptually related tool
compounds for examining mitochondrial-to-nuclear retrograde signalling from two
separate genomic loci and with two complementary biological activity profiles.
What are the shipping and packaging conditions for MOTS-c orders?
MOTS-c is dispatched in lyophilised form, which confers inherent stability advantages
over liquid preparations during transit and minimises in-transit methionine oxidation
relative to solution-phase handling. All Baltic Peptides orders are packaged with
temperature-protective and light-protective materials appropriate for methionine-containing
peptide research compounds. Baltic Peptides dispatches from within the EU, providing
shorter transit times and reduced customs exposure for European research institutions.
Cold-chain insulated packaging upgrades are available upon request for time-sensitive
or temperature-sensitive orders. Each shipment includes product labelling stating lot
number, storage conditions, and research-use-only classification. Expedited shipping
is available on request.
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