MOTS-c vs NAD+
Longevity
MOTS-c
16-amino-acid mitochondrial-derived peptide studied for AMPK activation and metabolic homeostasis.
Longevity
NAD+
Essential redox coenzyme and substrate for sirtuins and PARPs — central to metabolic and DNA repair research.
Side by side
| Dimension | MOTS-c | NAD+ |
|---|---|---|
| Molecular weight A 3.3× difference in mass — these are not comparable on a milligram-for-milligram basis. | 2174.61 g/mol | 663.43 g/mol |
| Size class | mid-length peptide | short peptide |
| CAS number | 1627580-64-7 | 53-84-9 |
| Research area | longevity | longevity |
| Sequence | Met-Arg-Trp-Gln-Glu-Met-Gly-Tyr-Ile-Phe-Tyr-Pro-Arg-Lys-Leu-Arg | Not published as a linear sequence |
| Available sizes | 10mg | 500mg, 1000mg |
| Entry price | $49 | $59 |
| Cost per mg Cost per milligram differs by more than 3×. Compare against the concentrations your protocol actually requires, not the headline vial price. | $4.90 | $0.11 |
Mechanism
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.
NAD+
NAD+ is a dinucleotide coenzyme present in all living cells, functioning both as an electron carrier in redox reactions and as a consumed substrate for sirtuins, PARPs, and CD38. It is not a peptide. Research interest in the longevity context follows from the observation that tissue NAD+ concentration declines with age, and from the dependence of sirtuin activity on NAD+ availability.
Research applications
MOTS-c
- AMPK pathway activation studies
- Mitochondrial-nuclear retrograde signaling research
- Folate-methionine cycle interaction assays
- Exercise physiology and metabolic stress models
NAD+
- Sirtuin activity and deacetylation assays
- PARP-mediated DNA repair studies
- Mitochondrial respiration and redox state measurement
- CD38 and NAD+ consumption pathway research
Common questions
What is the difference between MOTS-c and NAD+?
MOTS-c is 16-amino-acid mitochondrial-derived peptide studied for AMPK activation and metabolic homeostasis. NAD+ is essential redox coenzyme and substrate for sirtuins and PARPs — central to metabolic and DNA repair research. They differ in molecular weight (2174.61 vs 663.43 g/mol) and in the pathways they are studied against.
Which is more cost-effective per milligram, MOTS-c or NAD+?
NAD+ is lower at approximately $0.11 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 MOTS-c and NAD+ 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 MOTS-c and NAD+ be stored?
Store lyophilized powder at -20°C protected from light. Reconstituted solution stable at 2-8°C for up to 30 days. For NAD+: Store lyophilized at -20°C protected from light and moisture. NAD+ is hygroscopic and degrades in solution faster than most peptides — prepare fresh where the assay permits.
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.