SS-31 / Elamipretide
Mitochondria-Targeting Aromatic-Cationic Tetrapeptide
Mitochondrial Signaling
Research Use Only
Synthetic Peptide
Evidence: Supported / Preliminary
Molecular Data
Primary Name
SS-31
Aliases
Sequence
Elamipretide; MTP-131
H-D-Arg-Dmt-Lys-Phe-NH2
Chemical Class
Aromatic-cationic synthetic tetrapeptide; Szeto-Schiller peptide
N-Terminal State
Free amino terminus
CAS Number
736992-21-5
C-Terminal State
Amidated
Molecular Formula
C32H49N9O5
Special Residues
D-Arg = D-arginine; Dmt = 2,6-dimethyl-L-tyrosine
Average Molecular Weight
639.79 g/mol
Primary Research Target
Mitochondrial inner membrane / cardiolipin-associated membrane architecture
Research Domain
Mitochondrial & Metabolic Signaling
Molecular Identity
SS-31 is a synthetic tetrapeptide designed around an alternating aromatic-cationic motif. Its structure incorporates D-arginine and the noncanonical aromatic residue 2,6-dimethyl-L-tyrosine, with a C-terminal amide.
The molecular architecture is distinct from conventional receptor-targeting peptide hormones. SS-31 has instead been investigated for preferential interactions with mitochondrial inner-membrane environments, particularly cardiolipin-rich membrane regions.
D-Arg → Dmt → Lys → Phe-NH2
Mitochondrial Membrane Targeting
SS-31 has been studied as a mitochondria-targeting aromatic-cationic peptide associated with cardiolipin-rich regions of the inner mitochondrial membrane. Experimental work has investigated how this interaction may be associated with mitochondrial membrane organization, cardiolipin-associated protein interactions, cristae architecture, electron-transport behavior, mitochondrial bioenergetics, and reactive-oxygen-species generation in experimental systems and translational models.
Downstream Bioenergetic Effects Under Investigation
SS-31 is not best described as a classical GPCR agonist. Its research model centers on mitochondrial membrane interactions and downstream bioenergetic consequences.
- respiratory-chain organization
- electron transfer
- ATP-related metabolism
- oxidative stress
- mitochondrial membrane potential
- cristae organization
- energetic efficiency
Mechanistic distinction: SS-31 is primarily studied through mitochondrial membrane and cardiolipin-associated mechanisms rather than a single canonical cell-surface receptor.
Research Areas
Mitochondrial Bioenergetics
Research involving ATP production, respiratory-chain behavior, and cellular energetic efficiency.
Cardiolipin Biology
Research involving cardiolipin-rich inner mitochondrial membranes and membrane-protein organization.
Oxidative Stress
Experimental work examining reactive oxygen species and redox-associated mitochondrial signaling.
Skeletal-Muscle Energetics
Research examining mitochondrial performance in muscle and exercise-related models.
Mitochondrial Disease Models
Translational investigation involving mitochondrial dysfunction and inherited or acquired mitochondrial pathophysiology.
Aging Biology
Experimental research examining age-associated mitochondrial decline and energetic stress.
Translational Chain
SS-31
Cardiolipin-Rich Inner Mitochondrial Membrane
Membrane/Respiratory Organization
Cellular Bioenergetics
Tissue Energetics
Biomarkers
Functional Outcomes
Each downstream step requires independent evidence. Molecular binding or membrane association alone does not establish a clinically meaningful organism-level outcome.
Evidence Assessment
Human exposure and clinical research involving elamipretide exist, supporting biological activity and translational relevance.
Outcomes vary by disease state, and results from one indication cannot automatically be generalized to another.
Preclinical mitochondrial findings do not establish generalized wellness or performance benefits.
Route, dose, duration, subject population, and disease phenotype materially influence interpretation.
Alford Molecular Research does not extrapolate findings from one indication, route, or population without clearly identifying the limitations of that extrapolation.
Analytical & Quality-Control Considerations
Analytical Identity Requirements
- Mass Spectrometry – Confirm molecular identity and expected peptide mass.
- Stereochemistry – Confirm D-arginine rather than L-arginine where applicable to the specification.
- Terminal Amidation – Confirm C-terminal amide.
- Counterion / Salt State – Differentiate neutral parent peptide from salt or counterion-associated forms.
- Residual Solvents – Assess independently from peptide purity.
- Sterility – Where relevant, evaluate independently from endotoxin and chemical purity.
Example Analytical Documentation
Alford Molecular Research has reviewed third-party analytical documentation for SS-31 research material demonstrating chromatographic identity and quantitative purity testing.
Analytical documentation for one lot does not establish the quality of another lot. Batch-specific verification remains essential.
Structural & Formulation Considerations
Reported SS-31 molecular weight can vary depending upon whether the material is represented as the neutral peptide, a hydrochloride or other salt, a hydrated form, or another counterion-containing preparation.
Exact molar calculations therefore require the defined molecular form and lot-specific analytical documentation.
Mass specification, salt state, hydration state, and nominal vial label should never be assumed interchangeable.
Stability & Handling (Scientific Context)
Lyophilized SS-31 research material is generally handled with attention to moisture exposure, light exposure, temperature, repeated freeze-thaw, oxidative degradation, and container integrity.
Research / Regulatory Context
SS-31 / elamipretide has been investigated in human clinical-development programs and mitochondrial-disease-related research.
The presence of human clinical research does not establish that every proposed application is effective, approved, or clinically meaningful.
Regulatory status, clinical-development status, and approved uses vary by jurisdiction and may change over time.
Alford Molecular Research evaluates molecular and scientific evidence independently from commercial marketing claims.
Evidence Classification: Supported / Preliminary
- RP-HPLC / UPLC – Evaluate chromatographic purity and peptide-related impurities.
- Dmt Identity – Confirm the noncanonical 2,6-dimethyl-L-tyrosine residue.
- Quantitative Peptide Content – Determine actual net peptide amount separately from chromatographic purity.
- Water Content – Important for lyophilized-material mass balance and stability interpretation.
- Endotoxin – Evaluate separately where appropriate to the research application.
Research Context
This profile summarizes molecular identity, experimental mechanisms, analytical considerations, and published research context for SS-31 / elamipretide. It is provided for nonclinical scientific and analytical purposes only. Alford Molecular Research does not provide medical advice, prescribing, compounding, pharmacy services, or recommendations for human or veterinary administration.