SS-31 (Elamipretide) is a synthetic tetrapeptide belonging to a class of compounds known as mitochondria-targeted antioxidants. It has garnered significant attention in the scientific community for its unique ability to penetrate the cell membrane and selectively concentrate within the inner mitochondrial membrane. Preclinical research focuses on its potential to interact with cardiolipin, a phospholipid vital for mitochondrial structure and bioenergetics. While strictly for laboratory research and not approved for human or veterinary use, SS-31 represents a primary tool for investigating cellular energy metabolism and oxidative stress pathways.

Area of Interest

Research on SS-31 has focused on several critical areas of cellular biology:

• Mitochondrial Bioenergetics: Investigated for its ability to bind to cardiolipin, potentially stabilizing the cristae structure and optimizing the electron transport chain (ETC) for ATP production.
• Oxidative Stress Modulation: Studied in models of cellular stress for its potential role in scavenging reactive oxygen species (ROS) at the source, rather than systemically.
• Cellular Aging & Senescence: Preclinical models examine the peptide’s influence on age-related mitochondrial dysfunction and the preservation of organelle integrity over time.
• Ischemia & Reperfusion: Research explores potential cytoprotective effects in tissue models subjected to oxygen deprivation, particularly in cardiac and renal frameworks.

These investigations position SS-31 as a cornerstone reagent for researchers studying the fundamental mechanisms of mitochondrial health and cellular longevity.

Technical Information

• Chemical Name: Elamipretide (SS-31, Szeto-Schiller-31)
• Synonyms: MTP-131, Bendavia, D-Arg-Dmt-Lys-Phe-NH2
• Molecular Formula: C₃₂H₄₉N₉O₅
• Molecular Weight: 639.8 g/mol
• Sequence: D-Arg-Dmt-Lys-Phe-NH2 (D-Arginine-2,6-dimethyltyrosine-Lysine-Phenylalanine-amide)
• CAS Number: 736992-21-5
• Peptide Classification: Mitochondria-targeted antioxidant peptide

Storage Guidelines

• Lyophilized peptide is stable at room temperature for several weeks.
• For long-term storage, keep at −20°C or below.

• Once reconstituted, store at 2–8 °C. Effective use depends on the solution used.

Solubility

SS-31 is highly water-soluble. It can be reconstituted in sterile water, bacteriostatic water, or saline solutions.

References

• Szeto, H. H. (2006). “Mitochondria-targeted peptide antioxidants: novel neuroprotective agents.” The AAPS Journal, 8(3), E521–E531. https://doi.org/10.1208/aapsj080362
• Birk, A. V., Liu, S., Soong, Y., et al. (2013). “The mitochondrial-targeted compound SS-31 re-energizes ischemic mitochondria by interacting with cardiolipin.” Journal of the American Society of Nephrology, 24(8), 1250–1261. https://doi.org/10.1681/ASN.2012121216
• Campbell, M. D., Duan, J., Samuelson, A. T., et al. (2019). “Improving mitochondrial function with SS-31 reverses age-related redox stress and improves exercise tolerance in aged mice.” Free Radical Biology and Medicine, 134, 268-281. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.freeradbiomed.2018.12.031
• Szeto, H. H., & Schiller, P. W. (2011). “Novel therapies targeting inner mitochondrial membrane—from discovery to clinical development.” Pharmaceutical Research, 28(11), 2669–2679. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11095-011-0476-8

Certificate of Analysis (COA): Available here