SS-31, also known as Elamipretide, is a synthetic mitochondria-targeted tetrapeptide investigated for its effects on mitochondrial structure, bioenergetics, and cellular stress responses. The peptide consists of four amino acids and was designed to selectively localize to the inner mitochondrial membrane, where it has been studied for interactions with cardiolipin, a phospholipid that contributes to mitochondrial membrane organization and respiratory chain function.
The reported sequence of SS-31 is D-Arg-2′6′-dimethyltyrosine-Lys-Phe-NH₂ (D-Arg-Dmt-Lys-Phe-NH₂). Unlike conventional antioxidants that distribute broadly throughout cells, SS-31 was developed to concentrate within mitochondria through electrostatic interactions with the mitochondrial membrane environment. Research suggests that SS-31 may influence mitochondrial efficiency by stabilizing cardiolipin-associated membrane structures and reducing mitochondrial oxidative stress.
Experimental studies have investigated SS-31 in relation to mitochondrial electron transport chain function, reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, membrane potential maintenance, and cellular energy metabolism. Preclinical models have explored its effects in conditions associated with mitochondrial dysfunction, including metabolic stress, ischemic injury, and age-associated cellular changes.
Product Specifications
- Peptide Name: SS-31 (Elamipretide; MTP-131)
- Classification: Synthetic mitochondria-targeted tetrapeptide
- Sequence: D-Arg-Dmt-Lys-Phe-NH₂
- Molecular Formula: C₃₂H₄₉N₉O₅
- Molecular Weight: 639.79 g/mol
- CAS Number: 736992-21-5
- PubChem CID: 11263258
- ChemSpider ID: Not available
- ChEMBL ID: CHEMBL3545190
- Form: Lyophilized peptide powder
- Strength: 10 mg
- Appearance: Typically supplied as a white to off-white lyophilized powder
- Storage: Store according to supplier recommendations; commonly refrigerated or frozen
- Solubility: Research-dependent; commonly soluble in aqueous laboratory buffers under appropriate conditions
- Regulatory Status: Investigational peptide; not approved as a general therapeutic product
What Is It Used For and Its Purpose
SS-31 is primarily used as a tool for studying mitochondrial biology, oxidative stress regulation, and cellular energy metabolism. Researchers use the peptide to examine how targeted modulation of mitochondrial membrane environments may influence cellular function under conditions associated with mitochondrial stress.
A major focus of SS-31 research involves cardiolipin stabilization. Cardiolipin is an important mitochondrial membrane phospholipid involved in organization of respiratory chain complexes. Experimental studies suggest that SS-31 may interact with cardiolipin and influence mitochondrial membrane integrity, electron transport efficiency, and oxidative stress responses.
The peptide has been investigated in cellular models involving mitochondrial dysfunction, cardiovascular physiology, muscle metabolism, neurobiology, and aging-related cellular processes.
Research Applications
- Mitochondrial biology
- Oxidative stress research
- Bioenergetics studies
- Cardiolipin and mitochondrial membrane research
- Cellular metabolism
- Cardiovascular physiology
- Muscle metabolism research
- Neurobiology
- Aging biology
- Mitochondrial disease research
Potential Scientific Benefits
SS-31 is used for its potential effects on mitochondrial function. Studies suggest that the peptide may improve aspects of mitochondrial efficiency by interacting with cardiolipin and supporting organization of mitochondrial membrane structures. These effects have been associated with changes in electron transport chain activity and reduced production of mitochondrial reactive oxygen species in experimental models.
Studies have investigated SS-31 in models of mitochondrial dysfunction, ischemic stress, metabolic impairment, and age-associated changes. Reported findings include improved mitochondrial respiration, altered oxidative stress markers, and preservation of cellular energy pathways under specific experimental conditions.
Studies involving elamipretide have investigated pharmacokinetics, safety, tolerability, and biological effects in selected populations. The biological effects of SS-31 appear to involve multiple mitochondrial pathways, including membrane organization, oxidative stress regulation, and energy metabolism. The precise relationship between experimental mitochondrial improvements and broader physiological outcomes remains under investigation.
Observed biological activities in research
- Mitochondrial membrane interaction
- Cardiolipin-associated stabilization effects
- Reduction of mitochondrial oxidative stress markers
- Modulation of mitochondrial respiration
- Effects on cellular energy metabolism
- Alteration of mitochondrial stress responses
Reported molecular mechanisms
- Binding interactions with cardiolipin-containing mitochondrial membranes
- Modulation of electron transport chain efficiency
- Reduction of reactive oxygen species generation
- Preservation of mitochondrial membrane potential
Physiological pathways involved
- Mitochondrial bioenergetics
- Oxidative phosphorylation
- Cellular stress response pathways
- Energy metabolism
- Apoptosis-associated signaling
Experimental outcomes in models
- Improved mitochondrial respiration parameters
- Reduced oxidative damage markers
- Enhanced mitochondrial structural organization
- Altered metabolic and cellular stress responses
Current evidence remains limited for broad clinical applications, and further well-controlled clinical studies are required to establish long-term efficacy and safety in humans.
Research Data Sheet
- Compound / Peptide Name: SS-31 (Elamipretide; MTP-131)
- Sequence: D-Arg-Dmt-Lys-Phe-NH₂
- Classification: Synthetic mitochondria-targeted tetrapeptide
- Molecular Formula: C₃₂H₄₉N₉O₅
- Molecular Weight: 639.79 g/mol
- CAS Number: 736992-21-5
- PubChem CID: 11263258
- ChemSpider ID: Not available
- ChEMBL ID: CHEMBL3545190
- Form: Lyophilized peptide powder
- Appearance: White to off-white powder
- Storage: Store according to supplier specifications
- Research Categories: Mitochondrial Biology, Bioenergetics, Oxidative Stress Research, Cardiovascular Research, Metabolism, Cellular Aging Research
Safety Precautions
SS-31 is supplied strictly for laboratory research use and should be handled by qualified personnel using appropriate laboratory safety procedures. Proper peptide handling practices should be followed, including controlled storage conditions, accurate labeling, contamination prevention, and appropriate disposal.
- Research use only
- Not for human consumption
- Not intended to diagnose, treat, or prevent disease
- Wear appropriate PPE including gloves, laboratory coat, and eye protection
- Maintain aseptic handling procedures during preparation
- Store according to recommended conditions
- Avoid repeated freeze–thaw cycles
- Maintain proper labeling and documentation
- Dispose of waste according to institutional and regulatory requirements
- Human safety data are limited to specific clinical research contexts
- Potential unknown long-term effects require further investigation
Conclusion
SS-31 is a mitochondria-targeted synthetic tetrapeptide that has become an important research compound in the study of mitochondrial membrane biology, oxidative stress, and cellular energy metabolism. Its ability to localize to mitochondrial environments and interact with cardiolipin has made it a valuable tool for investigating mechanisms underlying mitochondrial dysfunction.
Findings suggest that SS-31 may influence mitochondrial respiration, oxidative stress regulation, and membrane organization, although biological effects depend on experimental conditions and the specific model studied. SS-31 continues to be evaluated in biomedical research areas involving mitochondrial function, metabolic regulation, cardiovascular physiology, and cellular aging. Further studies are required to fully define its mechanisms, pharmacological properties, and long-term safety profile.
