The second mechanism paper: a mitochondrial peptide that enters the nucleus under stress

Published 26 October 2026 · REVIVE LAB UAE Research Desk · 5 min read
Kim and colleagues, in Cell Metabolism in 2018, showed that under glucose restriction or oxidative stress MOTS-c translocates from mitochondria to the nucleus in an AMPK-dependent manner, binds chromatin at regions containing antioxidant response elements, interacts with the transcription factor NRF2 and others, and alters expression of stress-response genes. This gave the peptide a second mode of action — direct regulation of nuclear transcription — alongside the metabolic route proposed in 2015, and framed it as a mitochondria-to-nucleus signal.

What was shown

Immunofluorescence and fractionation placed the peptide in the nucleus after stress; chromatin immunoprecipitation located it at promoters carrying antioxidant response elements; co-precipitation showed association with NRF2 and with other factors. Gene expression changed accordingly, and blocking AMPK blocked the translocation.

The work was in cultured cells, with the AMPK dependence tying it to the earlier mechanism.

What it added

A mitochondrial genome encoding a peptide that regulates nuclear genes is a form of retrograde signalling — the mitochondrion informing the nucleus of its state. The finding placed MOTS-c among a small number of molecules proposed to carry such signals and gave a mechanism for effects on gene expression that the metabolic route alone did not explain.

How a peptide this short binds chromatin specifically remains a question.

How the two mechanisms relate

The 2015 route acts in the cytoplasm on metabolism; the 2018 route acts in the nucleus on transcription; AMPK links them. Both are from the same laboratory lineage and both are preclinical. Neither has been demonstrated in humans.

MOTS-c is supplied by REVIVE LAB UAE for laboratory research use only, with identity by mass spectrometry and purity by HPLC for the batch. It is not for human or veterinary use, and no dosing, administration or protocol guidance is provided.

What it costs

FormatStrengthPriceAvailability
MOTS-c Pack40 mgAED 950In stock

Delivery is AED 40 flat and free on orders over AED 700. Payment is cash on delivery anywhere in the UAE, or USDT (TRC20) in advance, which takes 5% off the order total.

Frequently asked

What was shown?

Immunofluorescence and fractionation placed the peptide in the nucleus after stress; chromatin immunoprecipitation located it at promoters carrying antioxidant response elements; co-precipitation showed association with NRF2 and with other factors. Gene expression changed accordingly, and blocking AMPK blocked the translocation.

Does REVIVE LAB UAE provide dosing guidance?

No. REVIVE LAB UAE supplies research materials and provides no dosing, administration or protocol guidance of any kind. Every product is sold for laboratory research use only and is not for human or veterinary consumption.

How fast is delivery in the UAE?

Stock is held in Dubai. An order confirmed before 4 PM Dubai time is dispatched the same working day, reaching Dubai and Abu Dhabi the same day and the remaining emirates within 24 hours. Delivery is AED 40 flat and free over AED 700.

MOTS-c Pack — in stock, dispatched from Dubai
HPLC-verified, lot certificate on every carton, 24-hour delivery nationwide. Browse the catalogue → All peptides UAE

Related reading

Supplied for laboratory research use only. Not for human or veterinary consumption. REVIVE LAB UAE provides no dosing, administration or protocol guidance.