MOTS-c in context: the small family of mitochondrial-derived peptides

Published 9 October 2026 · REVIVE LAB UAE Research Desk · 5 min read
Humanin, described in 2001, was the first peptide reported to be encoded within the mitochondrial genome. The small humanin-like peptides followed, and MOTS-c was described in 2015 from a short open reading frame in the 12S rRNA region. They are a small and still-growing family.

Humanin came first

Humanin was identified in 2001 from an open reading frame in the mitochondrial 16S rRNA region, and is the peptide that established the category. Research on it has concentrated on cell survival and on neurodegeneration models.

Its discovery is what made subsequent searches of the mitochondrial genome worth doing — it demonstrated that the genome encoded more than the respiratory-chain components it was understood to carry.

The small humanin-like peptides

Further work identified additional short open reading frames in the same 16S region, giving a set of peptides designated SHLPs. They are studied largely for metabolic and cell-survival effects, and the literature on them is thinner than on humanin.

MOTS-c differs in origin: its reading frame sits in the 12S rRNA region rather than the 16S, which is part of why it was found separately and later.

Why the family framing is useful

It places MOTS-c in a research programme rather than treating it as an isolated curiosity. The questions asked of all of them are the same — how they are produced, how they are regulated, and how much of normal physiology they account for.

All of this is preclinical. MOTS-c is supplied here as a research material for laboratory use only, with no dosing or administration guidance of any kind.

What it costs

FormatStrengthPriceAvailability
MOTS-c Pack10 mgAED 800In stock
MOTS-c Pen10 mgAED 900In 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

Humanin came first?

Humanin was identified in 2001 from an open reading frame in the mitochondrial 16S rRNA region, and is the peptide that established the category. Research on it has concentrated on cell survival and on neurodegeneration models.

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.