From Harman 1956 to the mitochondrial theory of ageing, and where mitochondrial-derived peptides were placed within it

Published 26 October 2026 · REVIVE LAB UAE Research Desk · 5 min read
Denham Harman proposed in the Journal of Gerontology in 1956 that reactive oxygen species generated during metabolism cause cumulative damage that is ageing, and in 1972 extended the idea to name mitochondria, as the main source of those species and a target of them, as the biological clock. The theory drove decades of work on oxidative damage and antioxidants. Large trials of antioxidant vitamins found no benefit and in some cases harm, and mice engineered with more or less antioxidant defence mostly aged normally, which weakened the simple version. A modified view — mitochondrial dysfunction as one hallmark of ageing, with reactive species acting as signals as well as damage — replaced it. Mitochondrial-derived peptides were proposed within this later framing, as signals from the organelle whose decline accompanies ageing.

The theory and its tests

Harman reasoned from radiation biology that the same radicals that radiation produces are produced by respiration, and that their damage accumulates. Mitochondrial DNA, unprotected by histones and close to the source, was predicted to accumulate mutations, which it does. But the antioxidant trials of the 1990s and 2000s — beta-carotene, vitamin E, vitamin C in tens of thousands of people — found no reduction in mortality, and genetic manipulation of antioxidant enzymes in mice did not reliably change lifespan.

The theory in its original form is generally considered falsified; its descendants are not.

The modified view

Mitochondrial dysfunction is listed among the hallmarks of ageing in the influential 2013 framework and its updates. Reactive oxygen species are now understood to signal as well as damage, and mild mitochondrial stress can extend life in model organisms — the mitohormesis idea. Mitochondrial-derived peptides, discovered in this period, fitted as candidate signals by which the organelle might communicate its state, and their age-related decline was read in that light.

This is the intellectual context in which the MOTS-c papers were written and received.

Why it is here

Because a reader should know the theory the field grew from and what happened to it. It describes history and no use of the pack.

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

The theory and its tests?

Harman reasoned from radiation biology that the same radicals that radiation produces are produced by respiration, and that their damage accumulates. Mitochondrial DNA, unprotected by histones and close to the source, was predicted to accumulate mutations, which it does. But the antioxidant trials of the 1990s and 2000s — beta-carotene, vitamin E, vitamin C in tens of thousands of people — found no reduction in mortality, and genetic manipulation of antioxidant enzymes in mice did not reliably change lifespan.

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.