SS-31 (Elamipretide): A Laboratory Research Reference

SS-31 (also known as elamipretide or MTP-131) is a synthetic, mitochondria-targeting peptide. It is studied in laboratory research for its interactions with mitochondrial membrane components and its effects on mitochondrial function in experimental models.

This page is a non-promotional scientific reference for researchers. It summarises the chemical identity, molecular characteristics, mechanism as described in the literature, research areas, and analytical testing of SS-31. It does not provide dosing, therapeutic, or human-use guidance of any kind. SS-31 supplied by Bulk Aussie Peptides is for laboratory research purposes only.

What Is SS-31?

SS-31 is a synthetic tetrapeptide discovered through work on aromatic-cationic peptides that target the inner mitochondrial membrane. It is conventionally written D-Arg-dimethylTyr-Lys-Phe-NH₂, incorporating a D-amino acid and a dimethylated tyrosine residue. The peptide accumulates at the inner mitochondrial membrane, where it has been studied for its interaction with the phospholipid cardiolipin.

For background on how synthetic research peptides are produced and verified, see the synthetic peptides research guide.

Molecular Characteristics

Several molecular properties are used to identify SS-31 in analytical documentation:

• Classification: a synthetic aromatic-cationic tetrapeptide targeting mitochondria.
• Sequence: D-Arg-dimethylTyr-Lys-Phe-NH₂, with a D-amino acid and a dimethylated tyrosine residue.
• Molecular weight: reported in Daltons (Da) on product documentation; the measured value on a Certificate of Analysis should be compared against the theoretical mass derived from the sequence.
• Physical form: supplied as a lyophilised (freeze-dried) powder, the standard presentation for research peptides.

How SS-31 Works

SS-31 is described as binding to cardiolipin at the inner mitochondrial membrane, and biophysical studies report that it associates with lipid bilayers and modulates their surface electrostatics. In laboratory models the peptide has been associated with preserved mitochondrial structure, reduced release of cytochrome c, and improved ATP production, with a mechanism that appears to act preferentially under conditions of mitochondrial stress.

These observations are preclinical and describe peptide–membrane interactions in model systems; they do not constitute a therapeutic use.

Areas of Scientific Research

The research literature describes several lines of investigation involving SS-31:

• Cardiolipin interaction: characterisation of peptide binding to mitochondrial membrane lipids.
• Mitochondrial function: studies of ATP production, reactive-oxygen-species handling, and mitochondrial morphology.
• Disease-relevant models: investigation of SS-31 in models of mitochondrial and cardiac dysfunction.

These investigations are conducted in vitro or in approved animal research models under institutional oversight. They do not translate to approved human use.

Analytical Testing

As with other research peptides, SS-31 is characterised using:

• HPLC for purity assessment, reported as a percentage of total peak area.
• Mass spectrometry for identity confirmation, by comparing measured molecular mass to the theoretical value.

Guidance on interpreting the resulting documents is available in the article on how to read a peptide Certificate of Analysis.

Storage and Handling

In a laboratory context, lyophilised SS-31 is typically stored in a freezer, protected from light and moisture, and handled according to the product-specific documentation. Once reconstituted, the resulting solution is refrigerated and used within the timeframe stated in the documentation. General guidance is covered in the peptide storage and stability reference.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is SS-31? SS-31 (elamipretide) is a synthetic mitochondria-targeting tetrapeptide.
• What is elamipretide? Elamipretide is the non-proprietary name for SS-31.
• What does SS-31 bind to? It is described as binding to cardiolipin in the inner mitochondrial membrane.
• What is SS-31 studied for? It is investigated in laboratory models for mitochondrial membrane interactions and mitochondrial function.
• How is SS-31 purity tested? Purity is commonly estimated by HPLC, while identity is confirmed by mass spectrometry.

References

• Birk, A. V., Liu, S., Soong, Y., et al. (2013). The mitochondria-targeted compound SS-31 binds to cardiolipin and improves mitochondrial structure and function. Journal of the American Society of Nephrology (and related biophysical work). See the membrane-interaction characterisation at PubMed 32273339.
• Szeto, H. H. (2014). First-in-class cardiolipin-protective compound as a therapeutic agent to restore mitochondrial bioenergetics. British Journal of Pharmacology, 171(8), 2029–2050.

Related Research Resources

• FOXO4-DRI: A Laboratory Research Reference — a peptide studied in a cellular-ageing context.
• Synthetic Peptides: Research Guide — how research peptides are produced and verified.
• MOTS-c: A Laboratory Research Reference — another mitochondrial-related research peptide.