SS-31 (Elamipretide): research overview
What is SS-31 (Elamipretide)
SS-31, also known as elamipretide, is a synthetic tetrapeptide, a chain of four amino acid residues. Its sequence is D-Arg-Dmt-Lys-Phe-NH2, and the C-terminus is capped with an amide group. Dmt stands for 2’,6’-dimethyltyrosine, an amino acid that does not normally occur in proteins and that gives the molecule properties of particular interest to researchers.
The peptide belongs to the aromatic-cationic peptide family. Its structure combines aromatic residues with positively charged basic residues, which allows it to move efficiently into cells. Every batch is produced in a controlled synthesis process, so results stay reproducible from one vial to the next.
Mechanism described in research
In vitro studies have observed that SS-31 accumulates in the inner mitochondrial membrane, where it binds cardiolipin, a phospholipid characteristic of that structure. Animal model studies have described its effects on the respiratory chain and on the level of reactive oxygen species.
This mechanism makes SS-31 a frequent choice for researchers studying how mitochondrial state relates to cellular ageing. Elamipretide has also been studied in clinical trials, which is a documented fact in the scientific literature. Results from preclinical models are best treated as a starting point for your own experiments.
Research areas
- Mitochondrial function in cell models
- Oxidative stress and reactive oxygen species in in vitro studies
- Cellular ageing and age-related changes in experimental models
- Ischaemia and reperfusion processes in animal models
- Function of high energy demand tissues in preclinical research
- Cardiolipin and the organisation of inner mitochondrial membranes
Product specification
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Name | SS-31 (Elamipretide) |
| CAS number | 736992-21-5 |
| Formula | C32H49N9O5 |
| Molecular mass | 639.8 g/mol |
| Sequence | D-Arg-Dmt-Lys-Phe-NH2 |
| Form | lyophilized powder |
| Available sizes | 5 mg, 10 mg, 50 mg |
| Purity | 99% or higher |
Working in the laboratory
Reconstitution and storage
- Lyophilized powder: store at -20 °C, tightly sealed and protected from light.
- After dissolving: keep the solution at 2-8 °C.
- Freezing: avoid repeated freezing and thawing, and divide the solution into smaller aliquots.
- Before opening: let the vial reach room temperature to limit moisture condensation.
The arginine and lysine residues mean the peptide typically dissolves in water or aqueous buffers. Solubility should be checked for each lot, and it is good practice to test a small amount before your first full preparation.
Bacteriostatic water as a solvent
Sterile bacteriostatic water is the standard solvent used for reconstitution in laboratory work. Label each vial with the reconstitution date and batch number to keep your research log accurate. You can find the full range of laboratory accessories in the lab supplies category.
Batch quality
- HPLC: separates the sample components and confirms purity of 99% or higher.
- MS: confirms that the molecular mass matches the theoretical value of 639.8 g/mol.
Combining HPLC with mass spectrometry gives a fuller picture of the reagent than either method alone. Your data always relates to the specific batch you are working with.
Related products
- NAD+: a coenzyme present in all cells, used in research on energy metabolism.
- MOTS-c: a mitochondrial-derived peptide often discussed alongside SS-31 in cellular energy research.
- Epitalon: a tetrapeptide from the cellular ageing research area.
- Humanin: a mitochondria-derived peptide studied in cell and animal models.
- FOXO4-DRI: a peptide studied in senescent cell models in vitro.
For more detail, see our batch quality page, and use the concentration calculator to work out your solution concentrations.
