There is much speculation about how long MOTS-c remains stable after reconstitution. We examine the science and provide practical storage guidance for researchers.
What is MOTS-c?
MOTS-c (Mitochondrial Open Reading Frame of the 12S rRNA-c) is a 16-amino-acid peptide encoded within mitochondrial DNA. It has attracted significant research interest due to its role in cellular metabolism and its apparent sensitivity to environmental conditions — both inside the cell and in laboratory storage settings.
One of the most common questions we receive from researchers working with MOTS-c is: how long does it remain stable after reconstitution? The short answer is that stability depends heavily on storage conditions, but with appropriate handling, MOTS-c can remain research-usable for considerably longer than many sources suggest.
The degradation concern
Some sources claim MOTS-c degrades within hours of reconstitution, making it unusable the following day. This claim is not well-supported by careful analysis. While MOTS-c is more sensitive than some peptides due to its specific amino acid composition, rapid degradation at low temperatures in sterile conditions is not an inevitability.
The key issue is that many degradation observations have been made under suboptimal conditions — room temperature storage, exposure to light, or contaminated vials.
Recommended storage conditions
- Lyophilised (unopened): Store at −20°C or below, away from light. Expected stability: 18–24 months from manufacture date.
- Reconstituted, refrigerated (2–8°C): Stable for approximately 14–28 days in bacteriostatic water. Use amber vials or foil wrapping to prevent light exposure.
- Reconstituted, frozen (−20°C): Stable for 4–8 weeks if frozen in single-use aliquots. Avoid freeze–thaw cycling.
Reconstitution solvent considerations
For MOTS-c, bacteriostatic water is the recommended reconstitution solvent for most research protocols. It is miscible, maintains near-neutral pH, and the 0.9% benzyl alcohol content inhibits microbial growth in refrigerated conditions.
Acetic acid (0.6%) may be used for sequences that are poorly soluble in aqueous conditions, though this should be validated for your specific application before use in any experimental setting.
For research use only. MOTS-c from My UK Peptides is supplied as a lyophilised research compound. It is not intended for human or veterinary use. Always follow your institution's laboratory safety protocols.