Research library / Compounds

What is ?

A peptide encoded in mitochondrial DNA, first described in 2015.

is a 16-amino-acid peptide encoded in mitochondrial DNA, inside the gene for 12S ribosomal RNA. It was first described in 2015 by researchers at the University of Southern California and belongs to a small group of mitochondrial-derived peptides. Prism Labs supplies it as a lyophilized vial in 10, 20 and 40 mg sizes.

Prism Labs editorial · Updated September 10, 2026 · 3 min read

Lyophilized vial10mg · 20mg · 40mg · 99.12% purityFrom $39.99View product

What it is

Its sequence is MRWQEMGYIFYPRKLR. The reference record lists the formula C101H152N28O22S2 and a molecular weight of 2174.6 g/mol (PubChem CID 146675088).

The name stands for mitochondrial open reading frame of the 12S rRNA, type c: a description of where its code sits in the mitochondrial genome.

Sources: [2] PubChem · reference structure · [1] Cell Metabolism · 2015

Where it came from

Mitochondria carry their own small genome. In 2015, a team led by Changhan Lee at the University of Southern California reported a short open reading frame inside the mitochondrial 12S rRNA gene and characterized the peptide it encodes.

It joined humanin and a few others in the category now called mitochondrial-derived peptides.

Sources: [1] Cell Metabolism · 2015 · [3] BBA – General Subjects · 2021 · [4] International Journal of Molecular Sciences · 2022

Lyophilized vial from Prism Labs — Every lot ships with its own certificate of analysis.

What researchers have studied

Research so far is mostly in mice and cultured cells:

Skeletal-muscle metabolism and insulin signaling, in the 2015 discovery paper.
Exercise physiology, where reviews discuss how circulating levels relate to physical activity.
Aging research, summarized in a 2022 review.

These are observations in laboratory models. They are not evidence about any use in people.

Sources: [1] Cell Metabolism · 2015 · [3] BBA – General Subjects · 2021 · [4] International Journal of Molecular Sciences · 2022

Mitochondrial-derived vs mitochondria-targeted

Two catalog peptides are linked to mitochondria in different ways. is encoded by mitochondrial DNA. is a synthetic peptide designed to reach the inner mitochondrial membrane. Read more: What is peptide?

How it is supplied and stored

ships as a lyophilized (freeze-dried) powder in 10, 20 or 40 mg vials. The powder is stable at room temperature in transit. For lab use it is reconstituted with bacteriostatic water such as .

Concentration is content divided by volume: 10 mg in 2 mL gives 5 mg per mL. The reconstitution calculator handles other combinations.

For storage before and after reconstitution, see how to store lyophilized peptides.

How to verify a batch

Every lot has its own certificate of analysis from an independent lab. Read three results separately:

Identity: confirms the expected compound was detected.
Purity: the share of the measured material that is the intended compound.
Content: the amount measured, compared with the label.

Then match the lot number on your vial or bottle to the report, and use the report’s verification link to confirm it with the testing lab. Step by step: how to read a peptide COA.