Overview SS-31 (elamipretide) is a synthetic, aromatic-cationic tetrapeptide belonging to the Szeto-Schiller (SS) family of mitochondria-targeted peptides. Its sequence — D-Arg-Dmt-Lys-Phe-NH₂ — alternates cationic residues (D-Arg, Lys) with aromatic residues (Dmt, Phe), an architectural pattern that confers selective, high-affinity binding to cardiolipin (CL) on the inner mitochondrial membrane (IMM).[1][2] Discovery: SS-31 was identified serendipitously by Dr. Hazel Szeto (Weill Cornell Medica

How does SS-31 work? What is its mechanism of action?

Mechanism of Action Primary Target: Cardiolipin (CL) on the Inner Mitochondrial Membrane SS-31 does NOT bind to a protein receptor. Instead, it binds directly to cardiolipin (CL) — an anionic phospholipid unique to the IMM that is critical for organizing the electron transport chain (ETC) into functional supercomplexes (respirasomes). The binding is driven by two forces:[1][2] Electrostatic: D-Arg and Lys (cationic residues) bind the anionic phosphate head groups of CL Hydrophobic: Dmt and Phe (

What are the research applications of SS-31?

Research Applications Elamipretide has been studied in cardiolipin and mitochondrial-membrane research; the published literature is listed under References.

What does the research summary say about SS-31?

Preclinical & Clinical Research Summary Key Preclinical Studies StudyModelKey FindingsRef Sabbah et al. (2016)Dogs, microembolization HF — 0.5 mg/kg × 3 moLVEF 30%→36% (p[6] Dai et al. (2013)C57BL/6 mice TAC — osmotic minipump × 4 wkFibrosis reduced ~5% vs ~15% control (p=0.005); protected 84% of mitochondrial proteins[14] Campbell et al. (2019)Aged-mouse model (26-mo female C57BL/6)Exercise-tolerance endpoint reported; ATPmax and mitochondrial-content endpoints reported[4] Chiao et al. (2020)Ag

How should SS-31 be stored?

Lyophilized research-grade powder. Store at -20 °C or below, desiccated, protected from light.

How to Store SS-31 — Storage & Handling Guide

Recommended Laboratory Storage Conditions

Research-Grade (Lyophilized Powder): Store at -20°C to -80°C in desiccated, airtight container. Stable at room temperature for limited time during shipping.

Solubility: Water-soluble. Solution-state stability data: see cited literature.

Salt forms: Acetate (clinical development/research) vs. HCl (commercial Forzinity); bioequivalence established between forms.

Storing SS-31: Best Practices

Recommended Laboratory Storage Conditions

References

Related Research Questions

Related research

Storing SS-31: Best Practices

Recommended Laboratory Storage Conditions

References

Related Research Questions

Related research