Ss 31 Elamipretide Research
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SS-31 (Elamipretide): Mitochondrial Membrane Research
SS-31, also known as Elamipretide or MTP-131, is a synthetic tetrapeptide studied in laboratory settings for its role in mitochondrial membrane biology, cardiolipin interactions, and oxidative stress research. It belongs to the Szeto-Schiller (SS) peptide class, a family of mitochondria-targeted peptides designed to concentrate in the inner mitochondrial membrane.
SS-31 (Elamipretide): Mitochondrial Inner Membrane Targeting
Chemical and Molecular Data
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Molecular formula | C32H52N12O6 |
| Molecular weight | 664.84 g/mol |
| CAS number | 736992-21-5 |
| Sequence | D-Arg-Dmt-Lys-Phe-NH2 |
| Amino acid count | 4 |
| Non-natural residues | D-Arg (pos. 1), Dmt (2,6-dimethyltyrosine, pos. 2) |
| Peptide class | Szeto-Schiller (SS) peptide |
| Purity | greater than or equal to 98% as verified by HPLC |
| Form | Lyophilised powder |
| Storage | -20 degrees C, protected from light and moisture |
| Reconstitution | Sterile water recommended |
SS-31 (Elamipretide): Mitochondrial Inner Membrane Targeting
Structural Design and Mitochondrial Targeting
SS-31 is designed with an alternating aromatic-cationic motif. The alternating pattern of aromatic (Dmt, Phe) and cationic (D-Arg, Lys) residues gives the peptide amphipathic properties critical for its interaction with the inner mitochondrial membrane.
Critically, SS-31 concentrates in the inner mitochondrial membrane independently of membrane potential, unlike many other mitochondrial-targeting molecules (such as triphenylphosphonium-conjugated compounds). This makes SS-31 useful for studying mitochondrial function in compromised or depolarised mitochondria — conditions found in ischaemia-reperfusion injury, heart failure, and ageing research models.
Cardiolipin Biology Research
The primary mechanistic focus in SS-31 research is its interaction with cardiolipin — a unique phospholipid found almost exclusively in the inner mitochondrial membrane. Cardiolipin is essential for the organisation and function of the electron transport chain, particularly cytochrome c anchoring and Complex I, III, and IV activity.
Laboratory research has examined SS-31's effects on cardiolipin organisation and oxidation. Under oxidative stress conditions, cardiolipin can become peroxidised and release cytochrome c from the inner membrane, initiating apoptosis. SS-31 has been studied for its ability to interact with cardiolipin and protect it from peroxidation in cell and mitochondria isolation models.
Electron Transport Chain Research
Research has examined SS-31's effects on electron transport chain efficiency and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production. Studies in isolated mitochondria and cell culture models have investigated changes in oxygen consumption rate, ATP production, and ROS output following SS-31 treatment. This connects SS-31 research to broader mitochondrial biology studies relevant to MOTS-c and NAD+ research.
SS Peptide Family Comparison
| Peptide | Sequence | Net charge | Cardiolipin affinity | Primary research |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SS-02 | Dmt-D-Arg-Phe-Lys-NH2 | +3 | High | Mitochondrial targeting |
| SS-20 | Phe-D-Arg-Phe-Lys-NH2 | +3 | Moderate | Antioxidant research |
| SS-31 (Elamipretide) | D-Arg-Dmt-Lys-Phe-NH2 | +3 | Very high | Cardiolipin / OXPHOS |
Cardiolipin Biology: Why It Matters
Cardiolipin is unique among mammalian phospholipids: it has four acyl chains (making it a dimeric phospholipid), is found almost exclusively in the inner mitochondrial membrane, and is essential for the organisation and stability of the electron transport chain supercomplexes.
Key cardiolipin research areas relevant to SS-31 studies include:
- ETC supercomplex assembly. Cardiolipin acts as a molecular glue holding respiratory chain complexes (CI, CIII, CIV) together into supercomplexes (also called respirasomes). These assemblies increase OXPHOS efficiency and reduce electron leak that generates ROS. SS-31's interaction with cardiolipin has been studied in the context of supercomplex stability.
- Cytochrome c binding. In healthy mitochondria, cytochrome c is anchored to the inner membrane by cardiolipin interaction. When cardiolipin is peroxidised by ROS, cytochrome c dissociates and is released to the cytoplasm, initiating the intrinsic apoptosis cascade. SS-31 research has examined whether cardiolipin binding can prevent this peroxidation-induced release.
- ATP synthase. Cardiolipin is required for the proper folding and dimerisation of ATP synthase (Complex V), and SS-31's effects on ATP production have been studied in this context.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does SS-31 concentrate in the inner mitochondrial membrane without a membrane potential?
Most mitochondrially targeted compounds (such as triphenylphosphonium or MitoQ) rely on the large negative mitochondrial membrane potential (approximately -180 mV) to drive their accumulation in the mitochondrial matrix. SS-31 does not require membrane potential for inner membrane targeting — instead, it is driven by electrostatic and hydrophobic interactions with cardiolipin itself. This means SS-31 can concentrate at its target site even in depolarised mitochondria (as occur in ischaemia and in pathological states), making it a distinctive research tool for studying mitochondrial biology under stress conditions.
Published Research References
For laboratory and analytical research purposes only. Not for human or veterinary use. No dosage or administration guidance is provided or implied.
Related research compounds: MOTS-c | NAD+ | SLU-PP-332