What is SS-31 (elamipretide)?
SS-31 is a short synthetic peptide of four amino acids that targets the mitochondria. Under the name elamipretide it has also been studied clinically. Here you can read how SS-31 is built, what it binds to in the cell and how to work with it in the lab.
SS-31 at a glance
SS-31 belongs to the Szeto-Schiller peptides, named after Hazel Szeto and Peter Schiller, who developed this class of cell-permeable peptides. It consists of four amino acids, including a D-amino acid and the modified tyrosine Dmt (2′,6′-dimethyltyrosine).
- Other names: elamipretide, MTP-131, Bendavia
- Type: tetrapeptide (4 amino acids)
- Sequence: D-Arg-Dmt-Lys-Phe-NH2
- Charge: positive (+3 at physiological pH)
- Form: white lyophilized powder
Binding to cardiolipin
Despite its positive charge, SS-31 crosses cell membranes and accumulates in the inner mitochondrial membrane. There it binds cardiolipin, a phospholipid found almost only in that membrane and important for organising the respiratory chain.
Through this binding, SS-31 is used in research to study the role of cardiolipin in mitochondrial membrane structure, the electron transport chain and the formation of reactive oxygen species.
Research areas
SS-31 is studied in these models, among others:
- Mitochondrial function and ATP production in cell models
- Oxidative stress and reactive oxygen species
- Heart and skeletal muscle models in animals
- Mitochondrial disorders; as elamipretide it was studied clinically in Barth syndrome, among others
- Ageing models focused on the mitochondria
SS-31 alongside MOTS-c and NAD+
SS-31 is often mentioned together with MOTS-c and NAD+. MOTS-c is a peptide encoded in mitochondrial DNA, NAD+ is a coenzyme of energy metabolism, and SS-31 acts directly on the inner mitochondrial membrane. Together they cover different angles of mitochondrial research.
Storage and quality
Store lyophilized SS-31 at −20 °C, dry and protected from light. Reconstitute with bacteriostatic water, swirl gently and keep the solution at 2–8 °C.
Every batch of SS-31 from Virexa Labs is tested by HPLC for ≥99% purity and by mass spectrometry for identity; the COA is on the product page. At Virexa Labs, SS-31 is intended solely for laboratory research and not for human or veterinary use.
Products
Frequently asked questions
Is SS-31 the same as elamipretide?
Yes. Elamipretide is the international non-proprietary name of SS-31; the peptide is also known as MTP-131 and Bendavia.
What does SS stand for in SS-31?
Szeto-Schiller, after the researchers Hazel Szeto and Peter Schiller who developed this peptide class.
What does SS-31 bind to?
Cardiolipin, a phospholipid of the inner mitochondrial membrane.
Is SS-31 intended for human use?
No. SS-31 from Virexa Labs is intended solely for laboratory research and not for human or veterinary consumption.