Glutathione vs MOTS-c
Longevity
Glutathione
Endogenous thiol tripeptide and the principal intracellular antioxidant, central to redox buffering research.
Longevity
MOTS-c
16-amino-acid mitochondrial-derived peptide studied for AMPK activation and metabolic homeostasis.
Side by side
| Dimension | Glutathione | MOTS-c |
|---|---|---|
| Molecular weight A 7.1× difference in mass — these are not comparable on a milligram-for-milligram basis. | 307.32 g/mol | 2174.61 g/mol |
| Size class | small molecule / short peptide | mid-length peptide |
| CAS number | 70-18-8 | 1627580-64-7 |
| Research area | longevity | longevity |
| Sequence | γ-Glu-Cys-Gly | Met-Arg-Trp-Gln-Glu-Met-Gly-Tyr-Ile-Phe-Tyr-Pro-Arg-Lys-Leu-Arg |
| Available sizes | 750mg, 1500mg | 10mg |
| Entry price | $39 | $49 |
| Cost per mg Cost per milligram differs by more than 3×. Compare against the concentrations your protocol actually requires, not the headline vial price. | $0.05 | $4.90 |
Mechanism
Glutathione
Glutathione is a tripeptide with an unusual γ-peptide bond between glutamate and cysteine, which confers resistance to standard peptidase cleavage. Its free thiol group makes it the dominant intracellular redox buffer, and the GSH/GSSG ratio is a standard readout of cellular oxidative state. It is also an obligate cofactor for glutathione peroxidases and S-transferases.
MOTS-c
MOTS-c is a 16-amino-acid peptide encoded within the mitochondrial 12S rRNA gene — one of a small class of mitochondrial-derived peptides that upended the assumption that the mitochondrial genome encodes only respiratory chain components. Research has focused on its translocation to the nucleus under metabolic stress and its role in AMPK-dependent signaling.
Research applications
Glutathione
- GSH/GSSG ratio measurement as an oxidative stress readout
- Glutathione peroxidase and S-transferase activity assays
- Xenobiotic conjugation and detoxification pathway studies
- Ferroptosis research (GPX4 dependence on GSH)
MOTS-c
- AMPK pathway activation studies
- Mitochondrial-nuclear retrograde signaling research
- Folate-methionine cycle interaction assays
- Exercise physiology and metabolic stress models
Common questions
What is the difference between Glutathione and MOTS-c?
Glutathione is endogenous thiol tripeptide and the principal intracellular antioxidant, central to redox buffering research. MOTS-c is 16-amino-acid mitochondrial-derived peptide studied for AMPK activation and metabolic homeostasis. They differ in molecular weight (307.32 vs 2174.61 g/mol) and in the pathways they are studied against.
Which is more cost-effective per milligram, Glutathione or MOTS-c?
Glutathione is lower at approximately $0.05 per milligram at its best tier, against $4.90 for the other. Cost per milligram is only meaningful relative to the concentrations a given protocol requires, since these compounds are not used at comparable masses.
Can Glutathione and MOTS-c be studied together?
Combination designs appear in the published literature for a number of these compounds. Whether it is appropriate for a given protocol depends entirely on the model and endpoint. We supply research compounds and do not provide protocol guidance — consult the primary literature for your specific model.
How should Glutathione and MOTS-c be stored?
Store lyophilized at -20°C protected from light. The free thiol oxidizes readily — minimize air exposure and prepare solutions fresh. For MOTS-c: Store lyophilized powder at -20°C protected from light. Reconstituted solution stable at 2-8°C for up to 30 days.
All products are intended strictly for laboratory research use. Not for human or veterinary use. Not for diagnostic or therapeutic use. Not a drug, food, or cosmetic.
Comparison generated from NuVida Vital catalog data. Every specification is reconciled against the certificate of analysis for the shipped batch.