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MOTS-C in Canada

 

 

Overview

MOTS-C is one of the fastest-growing research peptides in Canada thanks to its mitochondrial-based origins and increasing interest in metabolic and cellular laboratory studies.

Owing to its unique classification as a Mitochondrial-Derived Peptide (MDP). Unlike most peptides encoded by nuclear DNA, MOTS-c is encoded by a short open reading frame within the mitochondrial genome (12S rRNA), allowing it to act as a direct regulator of cellular energy balance [1, 2].

The peptide is an essential tool for Canadian research into metabolic homeostasis, insulin signaling, and exercise-mimetic pathways.

This guide details MOTS-c’s mechanism of action, its role as a metabolic regulator, and the sourcing standards required by Canadian researchers.


What Is MOTS-c? (The Mitochondrial Link)

MOTS-c is a 16-amino acid peptide (sequence: MRWQEMGYIFYPRKLR). Its origin from the mitochondrial genome is highly significant because it facilitates a unique form of communication known as mitochondrial-nuclear cross-talk [2].

  • Retrograde Signaling: MOTS-c acts as a retrograde signaling molecule, transmitting information about the cell’s metabolic state from the mitochondria back to the nucleus to regulate the expression of nuclear genes related to stress and metabolism [1].

  • Cellular Location: MOTS-c is found in the cytosol, co-localizes to the mitochondria, and under metabolic stress, translocates to the nucleus to direct gene expression [2].


Mechanism of Action (The Metabolic Master Switch)

MOTS-c is often described in research as an “exercise-mimetic” agent because its core mechanism mirrors the cellular adaptations triggered by physical activity [3].

1. Activation of the AMPK Pathway

MOTS-c’s primary function is the activation of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), often referred to as the cell’s metabolic master switch [1, 3].

  • Insulin Sensitivity: By activating AMPK, MOTS-c enhances the translocation of GLUT4 (Glucose transporter 4) to the cell surface, promoting glucose uptake and improving insulin sensitivity in skeletal muscle and fat tissue [4].

  • Fatty Acid Oxidation: AMPK activation also promotes the beta-oxidation of fatty acids (burning fat for energy), which helps reduce lipid accumulation and prevents the oxidative stress associated with excess lipids [1].

2. Folate Cycle Disruption

Studies suggest MOTS-c activates AMPK by interacting with the folate-methionine cycle within the cytosol. By disrupting this cycle, it can lead to the accumulation of endogenous AICAR, which is a known allosteric activator of AMPK [3].

3. Regulation of Gene Expression

MOTS-c regulates the expression of numerous nuclear genes involved in antioxidant defense, cellular stress response, and mitochondrial biogenesis [1, 4]. This metabolic reprogramming increases cellular resilience against metabolic damage, a key area of study in age-related decline [5].


How MOTS-C Is Used in Canadian Laboratories

MOTS-C is studied in:

  • In-vitro cellular testing
  • Molecular pathway analysis
  • Bench-top biochemical experiments
  • Mitochondrial function models
  • Controlled peptide–cell interaction workflows

Researchers often assess:

  • Stability in lyophilized form
  • Reconstitution behaviour
  • Mitochondrial signalling impact
  • Sequence integrity
  • Morphological responses in controlled settings

Purity, Documentation & Quality Standards

Canadian labs typically require:

≥99% purity (HPLC-tested)

Batch-specific certificate of analysis (COA)

Proper lyophilized storage stability

Consistent documentation for reproducibility

High-purity MOTS-C ensures accuracy in pathway studies and controlled in-vitro environments.


Canadian Regulations (Research-Only Classification)

In Canada, MOTS-C is classified under research-use-only guidelines, meaning:

  • It is not a consumer product
  • It is not for human or animal administration
  • It is handled only for controlled scientific study
  • It is purchased by researchers, labs, and institutions

This guide follows Canadian research-only compliance.


Pricing & Availability in Canada

MOTS-C pricing varies depending on:

  • Supplier batch size
  • Purity grade
  • Documentation provided
  • Domestic inventory levels
  • Lyophilized stability conditions

Canadian researchers typically prefer domestic suppliers for faster delivery and more stable peptide handling.


Shipping Advantages for Canadian Researchers

Choosing a Canadian supplier provides:

  • Fast domestic UPS/FedEx delivery
  • No customs delays or border issues
  • Better temperature stability
  • Lower risk of transit-related degradation
  • More consistent timelines for laboratory workflows

This is why Canadian labs overwhelmingly choose domestic MOTS-C suppliers.


Where Canadian Researchers Source MOTS-C

Researchers in Canada usually look for suppliers offering:

  • Verified purity
  • COAs
  • Consistent batch control
  • Fully sealed lyophilized vials
  • Reliable shipping
  • Transparent quality standards

For a full overview of peptide sourcing in Canada, you can reference:

👉 Peptides in Canada — 2025–2026 Research Guide
(/peptides-canada/)


 

🔬 Research References (Scientific Credibility)

[1] Lee, C., et al. (2015). The mitochondrial-derived peptide MOTS-c promotes metabolic homeostasis and reduces obesity and insulin resistance. Cell Metabolism.

[2] Kim, K. H., et al. (2018). The mitochondrial-encoded peptide MOTS-c translocates to the nucleus to regulate nuclear gene expression in response to metabolic stress. Cell Metabolism.

[3] Lee, C., et al. (2016). MOTS-c: A novel mitochondrial-derived peptide regulating muscle and fat metabolism. Free Radical Biology and Medicine.

[4] Yang, B., et al. (2021). MOTS-c interacts synergistically with exercise intervention to regulate PGC-1alpha expression, attenuate insulin resistance and enhance glucose metabolism in mice via AMPK signaling pathway. Biochimica et Biophysica Acta (BBA)—Molecular Basis of Disease.

[5] Reynolds, J. C., et al. (2021). MOTS-c is an exercise-induced mitochondrial-encoded regulator of age-dependent physical decline and muscle homeostasis. Nature Communications.

 

Related Research Guides 

 

 

Disclaimer

All information is for scientific, educational, and laboratory reference only.
All peptides described are strictly for research, in-vitro, and scientific use, not for human or animal consumption.

 

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