MOTS-c (Mitochondrial Open Reading Frame of the Twelve S rRNA type-c) is a 16-amino-acid peptide encoded within the mitochondrial genome — specifically within the 12S rRNA gene. Discovered by Dr. Changhan David Lee at the University of Southern California in 2015, it was the first mitochondrial-derived peptide shown to translocate to the nucleus and directly regulate nuclear gene expression. MOTS-c activates AMPK (AMP-activated protein kinase), the cell's master energy sensor, and modulates the folate-methionine cycle, influencing de novo purine biosynthesis.

The discovery that mitochondria — organelles with their own ancient genome — can send peptide signals to the nucleus rewrites our understanding of intracellular communication. Biology encodes a dialogue between two genomes within a single cell: the nuclear genome inherited from both parents, and the mitochondrial genome inherited solely through the maternal line. MOTS-c is a messenger in this conversation — a signal from one genome to another, coordinating the cell's energy economy.

At 99%+ purity (HPLC verified), our MOTS-c 20mg provides double the standard concentration for advanced research into mitochondrial-nuclear crosstalk, AMPK signaling, and mitochondrial-derived peptide biology.