SS-31 Research Overview: Mitochondria-Targeting Tetrapeptide and Cardiolipin Binding
A research overview of SS-31 (elamipretide), the cardiolipin-binding mitochondrial tetrapeptide studied in models of ischemia-reperfusion, mitochondrial dysfunction, and oxidative stress.
For in-vitro and laboratory research only. SS-31 is a research-grade peptide; nothing below constitutes medical or clinical guidance.
SS-31 (also known as elamipretide, Bendavia, or MTP-131) is a synthetic aromatic-cationic tetrapeptide that concentrates in the inner mitochondrial membrane. Its defining feature is binding to cardiolipin, a phospholipid uniquely abundant in mitochondrial membranes. Published preclinical literature has examined SS-31 in cardiac ischemia-reperfusion, age-related mitochondrial dysfunction, and oxidative-stress models. Available as SS-31 10mg lyophilized.
Structure
SS-31 is a tetrapeptide with the sequence D-Arg-2',6'-dimethylTyr-Lys-Phe-NH2. The alternating aromatic-cationic structure is the basis of its selective concentration in the inner mitochondrial membrane — the molecule partitions into negatively charged membranes via electrostatic attraction without requiring membrane potential.
Mechanisms reported in published literature
- Cardiolipin binding. The most-cited mechanism is direct binding to cardiolipin, the phospholipid that anchors cytochrome c and other electron-transport-chain components.
- Stabilization of supercomplex assemblies. Published work reports that SS-31 binding preserves cardiolipin-dependent assembly of electron-transport-chain supercomplexes.
- Reactive-oxygen-species reduction. Cell-culture and rodent studies have reported decreased mitochondrial ROS production and decreased oxidative damage markers in injured-tissue models.
- Cytochrome-c peroxidase reduction. Mechanistic literature describes attenuation of the cytochrome-c/cardiolipin peroxidase activity that initiates apoptosis in stressed mitochondria.
Common research-model applications
- Cardiac ischemia-reperfusion rodent models
- Aged-skeletal-muscle mitochondrial-function studies
- Renal ischemia-reperfusion models
- Cell-culture mitochondrial-function assays under oxidative stress
Related research peptides
For other mitochondrial-relevant research compounds, see our overview of MOTS-c (mitochondrial-derived peptide) and the NAD+ research handling guide. The three address mitochondrial function at different levels: membrane structure (SS-31), retrograde signaling (MOTS-c), and redox-cofactor supply (NAD+).
Handling and storage
SS-31 ships lyophilized and follows standard peptide-storage protocol — sealed at −20°C protected from light. See our peptide storage guide for shelf life by storage condition.
What to verify on the COA
- Sequence: D-Arg-DMT-Lys-Phe-NH2 (the 2',6'-dimethyl-tyrosine residue is non-canonical and must be explicitly stated).
- Purity ≥98% by HPLC.
- Mass spec match for the expected MW including the dimethyltyrosine and C-terminal amidation.
See how to read a peptide COA.
Reminder: All content above is summarized from preclinical research literature for laboratory and educational use. Products are not intended for human consumption.