When scientists removed the mitochondria’s DNA from human cells, the MOTS-c peptide disappeared—proving it comes from the mitochondria, not the cell’s main DNA.
Scientific Claim
In HeLa cells depleted of mitochondrial DNA (ρ0 cells), MOTS-c expression is lost, confirming its mitochondrial genomic origin and ruling out nuclear DNA transfer as a source.
Original Statement
“We selectively depleted mitochondrial DNA in HeLa cells (HeLa-ρ0) and show the elimination of both 12S rRNA and MOTS-c transcripts... HeLa-ρ0 cells had undetectable levels of mitochondrial-encoded cytochrome oxidase I and II (MT-COI/II) and MOTS-c...”
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 study uses a well-established ρ0 cell model to demonstrate loss of MOTS-c upon mtDNA depletion. The language appropriately reflects association within a controlled experimental system.
Evidence from Studies
Supporting (0)
Contradicting (1)
The mitochondrial-derived peptide MOTS-c promotes metabolic homeostasis and reduces obesity and insulin resistance
The study says MOTS-c comes from mitochondria, but it never tested cells that have no mitochondrial DNA, so we can't be sure it disappears without it.