Compound Overview
What Is SS-31?
SS-31, also known as Elamipretide, is an aromatic-cationic tetrapeptide belonging to the Szeto-Schiller peptide family — a class of cell-permeable peptides developed for mitochondrial membrane research. The compound carries the sequence D-Arg-dimethylTyr-Lys-Phe-NH2, incorporating D-amino acids at key positions to confer resistance to standard proteolytic degradation, which is relevant to its stability profile in research contexts.
The "SS" designation refers to its developers: Dr. Hazel H. Szeto (Cornell University / Weill Cornell Medicine) and Dr. Peter W. Schiller. SS-31 was the 31st peptide in the series identified for its affinity toward cardiolipin — a phospholipid concentrated on the inner mitochondrial membrane. Research interest in SS-31 centers on how this cardiolipin-binding selectivity may relate to mitochondrial inner membrane structural studies and electron transport chain complex organization in model systems.
With a molecular weight of approximately 736 Da, SS-31 is a relatively small peptide that has been studied in a range of cell and animal model contexts. Published research has examined its behavior in oxidative phosphorylation pathway studies, reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenging mechanism research in cell models, and ischemia-reperfusion pathway models in animals. Sequence Labs supplies SS-31 as a 10mg lyophilized research sample. For research use only. Not for human use.
Compound Specifications
Published Research Context
Research Background
The following areas represent published research contexts in which SS-31 has been examined. All references reflect preclinical, cell-based, or animal model research. For research use only. Not for human use.
Cardiolipin Interaction Research
Published research has examined SS-31's selective affinity for cardiolipin — a phospholipid predominantly concentrated on the inner mitochondrial membrane. Studies in cell models have explored how this binding selectivity relates to the structural organization of mitochondrial membranes in model systems.
Mitochondrial Inner Membrane Research
Published research has examined SS-31 in the context of inner mitochondrial membrane architecture studies. Research has explored how cardiolipin-binding peptides may relate to cristae structure in isolated mitochondria and cell model preparations.
Oxidative Phosphorylation Pathway Research in Preclinical Models
Published research has examined SS-31 in oxidative phosphorylation pathway studies using preclinical model systems. Research has explored relationships between cardiolipin-binding peptide exposure and electron transport chain complex assembly measurements in these model contexts.
ROS Scavenging Mechanism Research in Cell Models
Published research has examined SS-31's behavior in reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenging mechanism studies conducted in cell model systems. The aromatic-cationic structure of SS-31 has been investigated in this context across various cell types in vitro.
Ischemia-Reperfusion Pathway Research in Animal Models
Published research has examined SS-31 in ischemia-reperfusion pathway investigations using animal model systems. Research has explored relationships between SS-31 exposure and measured endpoints in cardiac and renal ischemia-reperfusion animal model preparations.
Mitochondria-Related Research Compounds
SS-31 vs MOTS-c
Both SS-31 and MOTS-c appear in published mitochondria-related research literature, but they represent distinct mechanistic approaches. SS-31 is a synthetic tetrapeptide developed for direct cardiolipin interaction research, while MOTS-c is a mitochondria-derived peptide studied as a mitochondrial signaling molecule. Researchers selecting between them should note the differences in origin, mechanism, and published model context.
For research use only. Not for human use.
Sequence Labs Supply
SS-31 Research Sample
Sequence Labs supplies SS-31 as a 10mg lyophilized research vial. Each batch is tested by Krause Analytical using HPLC and mass spectrometry, with the COA available on request. Catalog integrity is reviewed by Sabrina Runbeck, PA-C, and verified through Finnrick Pulse.
Reconstitution Reference
Research Use OnlyThe following is a general laboratory reference for preparing SS-31 research samples. All procedures must conform to institutional biosafety standards and applicable laboratory protocols.
- Allow the sealed research vial to reach room temperature before handling to minimize condensation upon opening.
- Introduce bacteriostatic water (preferred) or sterile water for injection slowly along the inner vial wall — do not introduce solvent directly onto the lyophilized pellet under pressure.
- Gently swirl the vial in a circular motion until the lyophilized powder is fully dissolved. Do not vortex.
- Inspect the solution visually for complete clarity before use in research preparations. Discard if particulate matter is present.
- Aliquot the prepared research sample into sterile low-bind vessels if not used immediately. Store at −20°C for longer research use periods.
Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Ready to source SS-31 for your research?
Browse the full Sequence Labs catalog or contact us directly about SS-31. HPLC + MS verified, COA available, reviewed by a licensed PA-C.