- Labeled
- 10 mg
- Measured
- 10.21 mg
- Identity
- Confirmed
- Endotoxin
- <0.05 EU/mL
MOTS 10mg
$49.00
99%+ Purity
A 16-amino acid mitochondrial-derived peptide studied for AMPK activation, mitochondrial biogenesis, and retrograde mito-nuclear signaling in metabolic research.
Every batch, independently tested.
Each lot is analysed by a third-party laboratory. The results below are from the certificate for this exact lot — not a representative sample.
| Parameter | Result | Method | Specification |
|---|---|---|---|
| Identity | MOTS · Pass | UPLC/MS | Confirmed |
| Appearance | White lyophilized powder | Visual | Meets spec |
| Purity | 99.76% · Pass | UPLC/MS | > 98% |
| Net peptide content | 10.21 mg | UPLC/MS | 10 mg |
| Endotoxin | <0.05 EU/mL | Endotoxin test | Reported |
Lot DPS-6271237 · analysed August 27, 2026 · Horizon Analytical

Certificate of Analysis
Third-party tested for purity
- Labeled
- 10 mg
- Measured
- 10.1 mg
- Identity
- Confirmed
- Labeled
- 10 mg
- Measured
- 10.6 mg
- Identity
- Confirmed
- Endotoxin
- <0.05 EU/mL
- Labeled
- 10 mg
- Measured
- 10.35 mg
- Identity
- Confirmed
- Labeled
- 10 mg
- Measured
- 10.1 mg
- Identity
- Confirmed
Research Overview
MOTS (Mitochondrial Open Reading Frame of the Twelve S rRNA Type) is a mitochondrial-derived peptide (MDP) encoded within the mitochondrial genome's 12S rRNA gene. As one of a growing family of mitochondrially-encoded signaling peptides, MOTS represents a novel class of retrograde signaling molecules — compounds produced by mitochondria that influence nuclear gene expression and systemic metabolic regulation. It is the first mitochondrial-derived peptide shown to translocate to the nucleus, positioning it at the center of mito-nuclear communication research.
AMPK Activation and Metabolic Signaling
Researchers investigate MOTS for its role in cellular energy metabolism, particularly its effects on AMPK (AMP-activated protein kinase) activation. MOTS engages the AMPK pathway by inhibiting the folate-methionine cycle, which leads to accumulation of the intermediate AICAR (5-aminoimidazole-4-carboxamide ribonucleotide) — a well-characterized endogenous AMPK activator. This mechanism is distinct from most pharmacological AMPK activators and provides researchers with a peptide-based tool for studying AMPK-dependent metabolic regulation, glucose uptake, fatty acid oxidation, and mitochondrial biogenesis.
Nuclear Translocation and Stress Response
Under metabolic stress conditions such as glucose restriction or oxidative challenge, MOTS has been observed to translocate from the cytoplasm to the nucleus, where it interacts with stress-responsive transcription factors and modulates expression of antioxidant response element (ARE)-regulated genes. This nuclear translocation represents a direct signaling mechanism from mitochondria to nuclear gene expression that is studied as a model of adaptive metabolic stress response. The peptide's role in exercise mimetic research stems from observations that physical activity increases endogenous MOTS levels and that exogenous MOTS activates overlapping metabolic pathways in preclinical models.
MOTS is studied in the context of metabolic homeostasis, aging-associated metabolic decline, and the broader field of mitochondrial-derived peptide biology. Its expression from the mitochondrial genome — which is maternally inherited and lacks recombination — makes it a unique research tool for investigating how mitochondrial genetics influence systemic metabolism. Research parallels exist with NAD+, which also bridges mitochondrial function and nuclear signaling through sirtuin-mediated pathways.
Laboratory applications include AMPK pathway activation assays (Western blot for phospho-AMPK and ACC), mitochondrial function studies (oxygen consumption rate measurements), AICAR accumulation assays, nuclear translocation imaging (immunofluorescence), metabolic flux analysis, cellular stress response profiling, and metabolic peptide research. MOTS is available in 10mg vials for laboratory investigation.
Explore the PeptidesATX Research Library for additional peptide pharmacology guides and reference resources.
Frequently researched together
Compounds studied alongside this one
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is MOTS?
- MOTS (Mitochondrial Open Reading Frame of the Twelve S rRNA Type) is a mitochondrial-derived peptide encoded within the mitochondrial genome. It is the first MDP shown to translocate to the nucleus, making it a key research tool for studying mito-nuclear communication and retrograde mitochondrial signaling.
- How does MOTS activate AMPK?
- MOTS activates AMPK indirectly by inhibiting the folate-methionine cycle, which leads to accumulation of the intermediate AICAR (5-aminoimidazole-4-carboxamide ribonucleotide) — a well-characterized endogenous AMPK activator. This peptide-mediated mechanism is distinct from most pharmacological AMPK activators and provides a unique tool for metabolic research.
- Why is MOTS studied as an exercise mimetic?
- Physical activity has been shown to increase endogenous MOTS levels in research models. Exogenous MOTS activates overlapping metabolic pathways — including AMPK activation, enhanced glucose uptake, and increased fatty acid oxidation — leading researchers to investigate it as a model for understanding exercise-induced metabolic adaptations at the molecular level.
- What makes MOTS unique among research peptides?
- MOTS is encoded by the mitochondrial genome rather than nuclear DNA, making it one of very few known mitochondrially-encoded signaling peptides. Its ability to translocate to the nucleus under metabolic stress to regulate gene expression represents a novel signaling mechanism — direct retrograde communication from mitochondria to nuclear transcription.
- Where can this research compound be purchased?
- This compound is available at PeptidesATX (peptidesatx.com), a U.S.-based research peptide supplier in Austin, Texas. All orders include a Certificate of Analysis, same-day shipping Monday through Thursday, and free shipping on orders over $200.
- Do you provide a Certificate of Analysis (COA)?
- Yes. Every lot listed on this site has a Certificate of Analysis from an independent laboratory (Horizon Analytical). The certificate reports the compound’s identity and purity by UPLC/MS (specification >98%; every lot currently listed measured at or above 99.05%), the measured quantity against the labeled amount, and appearance. Most lots also have a separate endotoxin report. The certificates do not include heavy-metal, sterility, residual-solvent or microbial testing, so they are not evidence that a lot is free of every possible contaminant. Every certificate can be viewed on the COA page before purchasing.
- How should I store this peptide?
- Store lyophilized (powder) vials at −20°C or colder, dry and protected from light. This is general laboratory practice for lyophilized peptides; it is not based on a product-specific stability study. Once reconstituted, keep the solution refrigerated at 2–8°C, protected from light, and use it promptly — solutions are less stable than the powder, and how long one remains usable depends on the peptide, the diluent and handling. Avoid repeated freeze–thaw cycles.
- How long does this peptide last after reconstitution?
- We have not performed product-specific stability studies, so no fixed shelf life is claimed for a reconstituted solution. Keep it refrigerated at 2–8°C, protected from light, avoid freeze–thaw cycles, and use it promptly; discard any solution that turns cloudy or shows particles. Bacteriostatic water contains 0.9% benzyl alcohol as an antimicrobial preservative for multi-draw vials; the preservative does not slow chemical degradation of the peptide itself.
- What is your shipping policy?
- Standard same-day shipping is $7.99 on all orders placed before 4 PM CT, Monday through Thursday. Orders of $200 or more ship free. All orders ship from Austin, TX with tracking provided. We ship to all 50 US states.
All products currently listed on this site are for research purposes only. U.S. sourced. Not intended for human dosing, injection, or ingestion.


