The MOTS-c peptide is almost the same in humans, mice, rats, and other animals—especially in four key spots—meaning evolution kept it because it’s important for how the body uses energy.
Scientific Claim
In human and rodent tissues, MOTS-c is highly conserved across 14 species, with four amino acid residues under positive evolutionary selection, suggesting functional importance in metabolic regulation.
Original Statement
“Multiple peptide sequence alignment of 14 species and its deduced phylogenetic tree suggest that MOTS-c is highly conserved, especially the first 11 residues... four residues were significantly undergoing positive selection (dN/dS > 1)...”
Evidence Quality Assessment
Claim Status
appropriately stated
Study Design Support
Design supports claim
Appropriate Language Strength
association
Can only show association/correlation
Assessment Explanation
The claim is based on sequence alignment and evolutionary analysis, which are inherently descriptive. The language appropriately reflects association and conservation.
Evidence from Studies
Supporting (0)
Contradicting (1)
The mitochondrial-derived peptide MOTS-c promotes metabolic homeostasis and reduces obesity and insulin resistance
The study shows that MOTS-c helps regulate metabolism and fight obesity in mice, but it doesn’t say anything about whether this peptide is similar across different animals or if it evolved in a special way.