MOTS-C is a mitochondrial-derived peptide (MDP) made up of 16 amino acids and encoded within a short open reading frame of the mitochondrial genome, rather than nuclear DNA. Since its identification, it has become one of the more closely studied peptides in mitochondrial biology, largely because it appears to act as a signaling molecule between mitochondria and the rest of the cell. Helix Bio supplies MOTS-C as a lyophilized research peptide, manufactured to a purity standard of 99% or higher and tested in-house before every batch ships. It is sold exclusively for laboratory research use by qualified professionals — not for human or animal use, and not for human consumption.
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MOTS-C belongs to a small family of mitochondrial-derived peptides discovered through analysis of short open reading frames within mitochondrial DNA that were previously assumed to be non-coding. Researchers have since studied MOTS-C for its apparent role in retrograde signaling — communication that runs from the mitochondria back to the nucleus — and its interaction with cellular energy pathways, most notably AMPK. Because of this, MOTS-C shows up frequently in published research on metabolic regulation, insulin sensitivity, and exercise physiology models.
Helix Bio's MOTS-C is supplied as a sterile, lyophilized (freeze-dried) white to off-white powder, sealed in a single-use glass research vial. The peptide sequence is synthesized to match the naturally occurring MOTS-C sequence and is verified for identity and purity prior to release.
This product is intended for in-vitro and in-vivo laboratory research only. It is not formulated, packaged, or labeled for human or veterinary administration, and Helix Bio makes no claims regarding safety, efficacy, or outcomes outside of a controlled research setting.
Peptide purity and documentation vary widely across research-chemical suppliers, which makes sourcing one of the more time-consuming parts of setting up a study. Helix Bio addresses that by testing every MOTS-C batch through HPLC and mass spectrometry and making that data available as a Certificate of Analysis, so researchers can verify what they're working with before it reaches the bench. The peptide ships lyophilized in sealed, tamper-evident vials, which supports stability during transit and storage. Everything on the page — from the specifications table to the disclaimer below — is written to keep the product framed accurately as a research-use-only compound, not a consumer health product.
This product is not intended for individual consumers, and Helix Bio does not sell MOTS-C for personal, human, or veterinary use.
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Product Name | MOTS-C |
| Category | Mitochondrial-Derived Peptide (MDP) — research peptide |
| Purity | ≥99% as verified by HPLC and mass spectrometry, confirmed per batch on the accompanying Certificate of Analysis |
| Appearance | White to off-white lyophilized powder |
| Storage | -20°C or colder, protected from light, in lyophilized form prior to reconstitution |
| Packaging | Sealed, sterile single-use research vial with tamper-evident seal |
| Research Use | Laboratory research use only. Not for human or veterinary use, and not for human consumption. |
| Manufacturer | Helix Bio |
| Quality | Batch-specific third-party laboratory testing |
| Lot Testing | HPLC purity analysis and mass spectrometry for identity confirmation |
| Country of Origin | Available upon request |
Published research on MOTS-C spans several areas of mitochondrial and metabolic biology. Common research directions include:
This information reflects the general research landscape around MOTS-C and is provided for educational context only. It is not a claim about the effects of Helix Bio's product, and it is not intended to suggest any use outside a qualified research setting.
Researchers comparing MOTS-C to other mitochondrial-derived or mitochondria-targeted peptides often ask how it differs from Humanin and SS-31. The table below summarizes the basic distinctions.
| Peptide | Origin / Classification | Primary Research Focus |
|---|---|---|
| MOTS-C | Mitochondrial-derived, 16 amino acids, encoded in the mitochondrial genome | Metabolic regulation, insulin sensitivity models, AMPK pathway signaling |
| Humanin | Mitochondrial-derived, 24 amino acids | Cellular stress response and cytoprotection research |
| SS-31 (Elamipretide) | Synthetic aromatic-cationic tetrapeptide | Mitochondrial membrane and oxidative stress research |
Helix Bio tests MOTS-C using two complementary methods: High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) to quantify purity, and mass spectrometry to confirm that the synthesized peptide matches the intended amino acid sequence. Results are documented per production batch, and a Certificate of Analysis is made available so researchers can independently verify the data rather than relying on a general purity claim. Helix Bio does not publish certifications or accreditations it does not hold; researchers who need documentation beyond the standard COA should contact customer support directly to confirm what is available for a given batch.
MOTS-C ships in sealed, tamper-evident research vials, packaged to help protect the lyophilized peptide from temperature fluctuations during transit. Processing and delivery timelines, shipping regions, and any related costs are shown at checkout and may vary by order. For current shipping policies, refer to the site's dedicated Shipping Policy page rather than this product page.
MOTS-C is sold by Helix Bio strictly for laboratory research use. It is not a drug, dietary supplement, food, or cosmetic, and it is not intended for human or veterinary use, human consumption, or diagnostic or therapeutic use of any kind. This product has not been evaluated by the FDA, and no statement on this page should be interpreted as a medical claim, treatment recommendation, or guarantee of any research outcome. It should be handled only by qualified professionals trained in the safe handling of research chemicals, in accordance with all applicable laws and institutional guidelines. By purchasing this product, the buyer confirms it will be used solely for research purposes and not for human or animal consumption.
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