#Antioxidant | #Cardiovascular | #Mitochondrial

SS-31 (Elamipretide)— Mitochondria-Targeted Tetrapeptide

SS-31 (Elamipretide) is a synthetic tetrapeptide designed to selectively associate with cardiolipin-rich regions of the inner mitochondrial membrane (IMM). In research contexts, it serves as a specialized mechanistic probe for investigating mitochondrial membrane organization, cristae architecture stability, and electron transport chain–associated signaling. This compound is supplied exclusively for in-vitro biochemical assays and laboratory research use.

Peptide Name:

SS-31 (Elamipretide)

Sequence Length

4 Amino Acids (Tetrapeptide)

Amino Acid Sequence

D-Arg–2′,6′-dimethylTyr–Lys–Phe–NH₂

Targeting Mechanism

Cardiolipin Association (Inner Mitochondrial Membrane)

Form

Lyophilized Powder

Cardiolipin Specificity

Contains alternating aromatic and basic amino acid residues that allow penetration of the outer mitochondrial membrane and selective binding to cardiolipin via electrostatic and hydrophobic interactions.

Membrane Stabilization

Binding may stabilize cristae curvature and optimize the positioning of electron transport chain supercomplexes.

Store powder at +4°C (short term) or -20°C (long term). Keep desiccated.

Sterile bacteriostatic water. Preparation should be performed under aseptic conditions. Reconstituted material is not intended for long-term storage.

Mitochondrial Targeting & Cardiolipin Association

SS-31 is widely used to study the structural integrity of the inner mitochondrial membrane (IMM).

Lipid-Peptide Interaction: Investigations focus on how the peptide’s Szeto-Schiller (SS) motif enables specific cardiolipin binding, protecting it from oxidative damage.
Cristae Morphology: Utilized in electron microscopy studies to observe changes in cristae density and architecture under metabolic stress.

Bioenergetics & Oxidative Stress Marker Studies

By interacting with the IMM, SS-31 serves as a tool for examining electron transport chain (ETC) efficiency.

Electron Leak: Assesses modulation of electron leak at Complex I and III, influencing reactive oxygen species (ROS) production at the source.
ATP Synthesis: Evaluation of mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm) maintenance and ATP production in aging or stressed cellular models.

Organelle Integrity & Stress-Response Modeling

SS-31 is applied in ischemia-reperfusion and cellular stress research models.

Cytochrome c Retention: Studies mechanisms by which cardiolipin stabilization prevents cytochrome c detachment, a key initiator of intrinsic apoptosis.
Permeability Transition: Assesses mitochondrial permeability transition pore (mPTP) opening thresholds during calcium overload.

Research Context & Limitations

Bioavailability: Cell-permeable, though uptake kinetics vary across tissue types and cultured cell lines.
Mechanism Specificity: Primarily structural (lipid-binding); does not directly scavenge ROS but prevents their formation.
Stability: Requires fresh preparation and monitoring for consistency during extended experimental timelines.

KEY SCIENTIFIC REFERENCES

Sweetwyne, M. T., et al. (2017) “Improving mitochondrial function in aging skeletal muscle: Signaling the mitochondrial connection.” Aging Cell.
Mitchell, W., et al. (2020) “Mitochondria-targeted therapeutics: Elamipretide (SS-31).” Current Medicinal Chemistry.
PubChem Compound Summary “Elamipretide (SS-31)” National Center for Biotechnology Information.

The compound listed below is referenced in research contexts related to the mechanisms discussed in this article.

SS-31 (Elamipretide) is a chemical reagent and peptide reference standard intended strictly for in-vitro and laboratory research applications (e.g., mitochondrial assays, membrane potential studies). It is not a drug, dietary supplement, or performance enhancer. It is not intended for human consumption or therapeutic use. All handling must be performed by qualified professionals in a laboratory setting.

SS-31 (Elamipretide)— Mitochondria-Targeted Tetrapeptide

Peptide Name:

Sequence Length

Amino Acid Sequence

Targeting Mechanism

Form

Cardiolipin Specificity

Membrane Stabilization

Age Verification Required

GLP2-T

Thymosin Alpha-1 (TA1)

Tesamorelin

TB-500

SS-31

Semax

Selank

GLP3-R

PT-141