SS-31, formally known as Elamipretide, is a tetrapeptide aromatic-cationic compound with the sequence D-Arg-Dmt-Lys-Phe-NH₂ (CAS 736992-21-5, MW 640.76 Da). It belongs to a class of cell-permeable mit...
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Certificate of Analysis included with every order.
Technical Specifications
Purity
≥98%
Form
Lyophilized powder
Storage
-20°C
Molecular Weight
640.76 Da
Sequence
D-Arg-Dmt-Lys-Phe-NH₂
CAS Number
736992-21-5
About This Peptide
SS-31, formally known as Elamipretide, is a tetrapeptide aromatic-cationic compound with the sequence D-Arg-Dmt-Lys-Phe-NH₂ (CAS 736992-21-5, MW 640.76 Da). It belongs to a class of cell-permeable mitochondria-targeting peptides first described by Hazel Szeto and Peter Schiller, from whose surnames the "SS" designation derives. Supplied by Pepitiva Biolabs under internal code SS-31 (Elamipretide), this compound is provided as a lyophilized powder of ≥98% purity and is intended strictly for in vitro and preclinical research applications.
The structural hallmark of Elamipretide is the alternating pattern of aromatic and basic residues, which confers both mitochondrial membrane affinity and aqueous solubility. The incorporation of 2′,6′-dimethyltyrosine (Dmt) at position 2 enhances electron scavenging capacity relative to unmodified tyrosine, while the D-arginine residue at position 1 improves proteolytic stability. These combined features make SS-31 a widely utilized molecular probe for dissecting the relationship between mitochondrial inner membrane organization and bioenergetic output in model systems.
Elamipretide has attracted considerable attention in mitochondrial biology research owing to its selective interaction with cardiolipin, an anionic phospholipid localized almost exclusively to the inner mitochondrial membrane. This interaction is the basis for the compound's utility as a tool to study electron transport chain (ETC) supercomplex stability, cristae architecture, and the consequences of cardiolipin peroxidation across diverse experimental models. Researchers studying aging, metabolic stress, ischemia-reperfusion injury models, and neurodegenerative disease mechanisms routinely employ SS-31 as a reference compound in cellular and animal model assays.
For research use only. Not for human consumption. Recommended storage at −20 °C; reconstitute in sterile aqueous buffer immediately before use and avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles to preserve peptide integrity.
Research Applications
≥98% purity. Lyophilized powder. Storage: -20°C. For research purposes only.
Mechanism of Action
Elamipretide accumulates at the inner mitochondrial membrane (IMM) through electrostatic and hydrophobic interactions driven primarily by its affinity for cardiolipin. By binding cardiolipin, SS-31 is thought to stabilize the curvature of cristae membranes and to preserve the structural integrity of respiratory supercomplexes (Complexes I–IV). This stabilization is associated, in preclinical models, with maintenance of mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm) and attenuation of electron leak at Complexes I and III—the principal sites of mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation.
A secondary biochemical effect linked to Elamipretide in experimental systems involves the inhibition of cytochrome c peroxidase activity. Under oxidative stress, cardiolipin-bound cytochrome c acquires peroxidase activity that drives cardiolipin oxidation and promotes apoptotic signaling via outer membrane permeabilization. Research data suggest that SS-31 competes with this peroxidative interaction, thereby limiting cardiolipin oxidation and reducing pro-apoptotic cytochrome c release—providing a tractable pharmacological handle for studying the cardiolipin–cytochrome c axis in controlled in vitro settings.
At the level of ATP synthesis, studies employing SS-31 in isolated mitochondria and cultured cell models have reported improved coupling efficiency between electron transport and oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS), consistent with reduced proton leak. These mechanistic observations make Elamipretide a valuable reference tool for researchers investigating mitochondrial quality control pathways, including mitophagy regulation, fission/fusion dynamics, and the integrated stress response downstream of OXPHOS dysfunction.
Research Applications
Elamipretide serves as a well-characterized research tool across a range of in vitro and preclinical experimental paradigms focused on mitochondrial structure and function. Documented research application areas include:
Cardiolipin biology: Investigating the role of cardiolipin in cristae remodeling, ETC supercomplex assembly, and IMM lipid peroxidation using isolated mitochondria or liposomal model systems.
Oxidative stress modeling: Probing mitochondria-derived ROS generation and antioxidant response pathways in cell culture models subjected to chemical or hypoxic stress.
Ischemia-reperfusion injury models: Studying cellular energy metabolism, membrane integrity, and apoptotic marker expression in ex vivo tissue preparations or cell-based ischemia-reperfusion simulation assays.
Aging and senescence research: Characterizing age-associated mitochondrial dysfunction, including changes in ΔΨm, mtDNA copy number, and OXPHOS complex activity in primary or immortalized senescent cell lines.
Neurodegenerative disease models: Employing SS-31 as a mechanistic probe in neuronal cell culture systems relevant to mitochondrial pathology, including models of Parkinson's and Alzheimer's disease-associated mitochondrial impairment.
Mitophagy and quality control studies: Assessing the interplay between mitochondrial membrane potential maintenance by Elamipretide and PINK1/Parkin-mediated mitophagy pathway activation.
Storage & Handling Guidelines
Proper storage and handling are essential to maintain peptide integrity and ensure reliable research results. All Pepitiva Biolabs peptides are supplied as lyophilized (freeze-dried) powder, which provides excellent long-term stability when stored correctly. Store lyophilized peptides at -20°C for long-term storage or 2-8°C for short-term use. Once reconstituted, peptide solutions should be stored at 2-8°C and used within the timeframe specified in the product documentation. Always use sterile bacteriostatic water for reconstitution and handle peptides in a clean laboratory environment to prevent contamination. Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles, as thermal stress can cause peptide degradation and loss of biological activity.
Quality Control & Certification
This product is manufactured under strict quality control protocols and has been verified through comprehensive analytical testing. Each batch undergoes reverse-phase HPLC analysis for purity determination and electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI-MS) for molecular identity confirmation. A detailed Certificate of Analysis (COA) is available for download, documenting purity percentage, molecular weight verification, appearance, and recommended storage conditions. Pepitiva Biolabs maintains batch-level traceability from synthesis through delivery, ensuring complete transparency and quality assurance for your research.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this product approved for human use?
No. This product is intended exclusively for in vitro scientific research and laboratory use. It is not approved for human or veterinary use, not intended for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes, and should not be administered to humans or animals under any circumstances.
How do I reconstitute this peptide?
Add sterile bacteriostatic water slowly to the vial, directing the stream against the glass wall rather than directly onto the lyophilized powder. Gently swirl the vial until the powder is fully dissolved — do not shake vigorously. The recommended reconstitution volume depends on your desired concentration. Refer to the product documentation for specific guidance.
Can I get a Certificate of Analysis (COA)?
Yes. A Certificate of Analysis is included with every order and is also available for download from the product page. The COA documents HPLC purity, mass spectrometry identity confirmation, batch number, production date, and storage recommendations.
For research use only. Not for human consumption.
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