SS-31 (Elamipretide)
Research Guide

Research Overview

DR-31 is this vendor's internal catalog code (SKU) for the compound. The molecule itself is SS-31, also known by the international nonproprietary name elamipretide and by the development codes MTP-131 and Bendavia. SS-31 is a synthetic, water-soluble, mitochondria-targeting tetrapeptide with the amino acid sequence D-Arg-Dmt-Lys-Phe-NH2 (Dmt = 2,6-dimethyltyrosine). It belongs to the Szeto-Schiller (SS) class of aromatic-cationic peptides developed to concentrate at the inner mitochondrial membrane. This guide is provided strictly for Research Use Only.

As verified against PubChem (CID 11764719), SS-31 carries the molecular formula C32H49N9O5 and a molecular weight of approximately 639.8 g/mol, with CAS registry number 736992-21-5. The material is typically supplied as a lyophilized peptide (commonly as an acetate or trifluoroacetate salt, which shifts the as-weighed mass). Because salt form and net peptide content vary by lot, all identity and mass parameters should be confirmed against the batch Certificate of Analysis (COA) before any laboratory use.

In the published preclinical and clinical literature, SS-31 has been studied for its reported interaction with cardiolipin, an anionic phospholipid of the inner mitochondrial membrane, and for downstream effects on cristae structure, electron transport, and reactive oxygen species handling in cell and animal models. The sections below summarize that reported mechanism and the associated research applications, hedged to in-vitro and preclinical context. Nothing here describes human use, therapeutic benefit, or dosing.

Mechanism Summary

Mechanisms reported in the in-vitro and preclinical research literature include:

• Binds cardiolipin on the inner mitochondrial membrane via electrostatic and hydrophobic interactions (reported)
• Reported to help preserve cristae architecture and respiratory supercomplex organization
• Reported to inhibit cytochrome c peroxidase activity, limiting cardiolipin peroxidation while preserving electron transport
• Reported to modulate membrane surface electrostatics and reduce calcium-stress and ROS burden in models
• Reported to promote mitophagy / mitochondrial quality control in cell models

Reference Data

Identity values are compiled from public chemistry databases and vendor documentation. Confirm the exact salt form, molecular weight, and purity for a given batch against its Certificate of Analysis (COA).

Research Applications

In laboratory research, SS-31 (Elamipretide) is studied in contexts such as:

• Cardiolipin and inner-membrane biophysics research (in-vitro)
• Mitochondrial bioenergetics and cristae/supercomplex studies (preclinical)
• Ischemia-reperfusion injury models (preclinical, e.g. renal)
• Barth syndrome / tafazzin cardiolipin-remodeling models (preclinical)
• Cardiac mitochondrial dysfunction and diabetic cardiomyopathy models (preclinical)
• Mitophagy and mitochondrial quality-control tool-compound studies (in-vitro)

Storage Information

• Store the sealed lyophilized vial cold, protected from light and moisture, until use
• Reconstitute with an appropriate research-grade solvent using the vendor Reconstitution Calculator
• Aliquot reconstituted stock to minimize freeze-thaw cycles
• Follow the vendor Lyophilized Storage Guide for detailed timelines and temperatures
• Confirm net peptide content, salt form, and solubility against the batch COA

Handling and Laboratory Notes

SS-31 is a small lyophilized peptide and follows standard research-peptide handling. Keep the sealed vial cold and protected from light and moisture until reconstitution.

Reconstitute with an appropriate research-grade solvent (commonly bacteriostatic or sterile water for aqueous peptides) using the vendor Reconstitution Calculator to hit target working concentrations for in-vitro assays. Confirm solubility behavior against the batch COA.

For storage timelines and freeze-thaw guidance, see the Lyophilized Storage Guide. Aliquot reconstituted stock to minimize freeze-thaw cycles.

Net peptide content and salt counterion (acetate vs trifluoroacetate) affect the actual mass of active peptide per vial; confirm against the batch COA before preparing stocks.