MOTS-c is a short peptide encoded in the mitochondrial genome and a member of the larger group of mitochondrial-derived peptides (MDPs). MDPs have recently been found to be bioactive hormones that play important roles in mitochondrial communication and energy regulation.
MOTS-C Structure:
MOTS-C Structure, De BQUB17-JHolguera - Trabajo propio, cc BY-SA4.0
Sequence: Met-Arg-Trp-Gln-Glu-Met-Gly-Ty-lle-Phe-Tyr-Pro-Arg-Lys-Leu-Arg
Molecular Formula: C101H152N28922S2
Molecular Weight: 2174.64 g/mol
PubChem SID: 255386757
CAS Number: 1627580-64-6
Synonyms: Mitochondrial open reading frame of the 12S rRNA-c, MT-RNR1
MOTS-c is a short peptide encoded in the mitochondrial genome and a member of the larger group of mitochondrial-derived peptides (MDPs). MDPs have recently been found to be bioactive hormones that play important roles in mitochondrial communication and energy regulation.
Originally thought to be related to the mitochondria only, new research has revealed that manyMDPs are active in the cell nucleus and that some even make their way into the blood stream to have systemic effects. MOTS-c is a newly identified MDP that has, to date, been found to play important roles in metabolism, weight regulation, exercise capacity, longevity, and even processes leading to disease states like osteoporosis. MOTS-c has been found in the nucleus of cells as well as in the general circulation, making it a bonafide natural hormone. The peptide has been targeted for intensive research in the last five years due to its therapeutic potential. Research measuring MOTS-c levels in humans undergoing coronary angiography has revealed that patients with lower levels of MOTS-c in the blood have higher levels of endothelial cell dysfunction. Endothelial cells line the inside of blood vessels and are integral to the regulation of
blood pressure, blood clotting, and plaque formation. Additional research in rats suggests that while MOTS-c does not directly affect blood vessel responsiveness, it does sensitize endothelial cells to the effects of other signaling molecules, like acetylcholine. Supplementing rats with MOTS-c has been shown to improve endothelial function and improve microvascular and epicardial blood vessel function.