SS-31 (Elamipretide) (Research Overview)
SS-31 (also known as Elamipretide or MTP-131) is a cell-permeable, mitochondria-targeting tetrapeptide. It selectively concentrates in the inner mitochondrial membrane, where it interacts with cardiolipin to stabilize membrane architecture and support electron transport chain function.
Mechanism of Action
SS-31 belongs to the Szeto-Schiller (SS) peptide class, characterized by alternating aromatic and basic amino acid residues that confer a net positive charge. This charge drives selective accumulation in the inner mitochondrial membrane at concentrations several hundred-fold higher than the cytoplasm.
The primary molecular target is cardiolipin, a phospholipid unique to the inner mitochondrial membrane. SS-31 binds cardiolipin and prevents its peroxidation by cytochrome c, preserving the structural integrity of the electron transport chain supercomplexes. This interaction is central to its observed effects on mitochondrial bioenergetics and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production.
Research Areas
Cardioprotection: SS-31 has been extensively studied in ischemia-reperfusion injury models. Preclinical data demonstrate reductions in infarct size, preservation of mitochondrial membrane potential, and attenuation of cardiomyocyte apoptosis following ischemic insult. Clinical trials (EMBRACE STEMI, HARP) have evaluated SS-31 in acute myocardial infarction and heart failure with preserved ejection fraction.
Renal protection: Research in acute kidney injury models has shown SS-31 reduces tubular cell apoptosis and preserves renal function following ischemic or nephrotoxic insult. Its ability to limit mitochondrial ROS generation is thought to underlie these cytoprotective effects.
Skeletal muscle and aging: Studies in aged animal models have examined SS-31's effects on mitochondrial function in skeletal muscle, including improvements in ATP synthesis capacity and reductions in oxidative damage markers. This has generated interest in its potential role in sarcopenia and exercise physiology research.
Neurological models: Preclinical research has explored SS-31 in models of neurodegenerative disease, traumatic brain injury, and retinal degeneration, where mitochondrial dysfunction is a contributing pathological mechanism.
Specification summary
SS-31 50mg
Stated purity ≥99%. For laboratory research use only.
Related materials
References
- Szeto HH. First-in-class cardiolipin-protective compound as a therapeutic agent to restore mitochondrial bioenergetics. Br J Pharmacol. 2014;171(8):2029-50. PMID 24117165 · DOI
- Birk AV, Liu S, Soong Y, Mills W, Singh P, Warren JD, et al. The mitochondrial-targeted compound SS-31 re-energizes ischemic mitochondria by interacting with cardiolipin. J Am Soc Nephrol. 2013;24(8):1250-61. PMID 23813215 · DOI
- Birk AV, Chao WM, Bracken C, Warren JD, Szeto HH. Targeting mitochondrial cardiolipin and the cytochrome c/cardiolipin complex to promote electron transport and optimize mitochondrial ATP synthesis. Br J Pharmacol. 2014;171(8):2017-28. PMID 24134698 · DOI
- Zhao K, Luo G, Giannelli S, Szeto HH. Mitochondria-targeted peptide prevents mitochondrial depolarization and apoptosis induced by tert-butyl hydroperoxide in neuronal cell lines. Biochem Pharmacol. 2005;70(12):1796-806. PMID 16216225 · DOI
- Szeto HH. Mitochondria-targeted peptide antioxidants: novel neuroprotective agents. AAPS J. 2006;8(3):E521-31. PMID 17025271 · DOI
- Gibson CM, Giugliano RP, Kloner RA, Bode C, Tendera M, Jánosi A, et al. EMBRACE STEMI study: a Phase 2a trial to evaluate the safety, tolerability, and efficacy of intravenous MTP-131 on reperfusion injury in patients undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention. Eur Heart J. 2016;37(16):1296-303. PMID 26586786 · DOI
- Daubert MA, Yow E, Dunn G, Marchev S, Barnhart H, Douglas PS, et al. Novel Mitochondria-Targeting Peptide in Heart Failure Treatment: A Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Trial of Elamipretide. Circ Heart Fail. 2017;10(12). PMID 29217757 · DOI
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For laboratory research use only. Not for human or veterinary use. Not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.