SS-31

SS-31 (Elamipretide) is a mitochondria-targeting tetrapeptide with an alternating aromatic-cationic structure (D-Arg-Dmt-Lys-Phe-NH2) that enables selective concentration in the inner mitochondrial membrane. It was developed by Hazel Szeto and Peter Schiller as a tool for investigating mitochondrial membrane biology.

Research has extensively examined its interaction with cardiolipin, a phospholipid critical to electron transport chain function. SS-31 has accumulated substantial preclinical evidence in cardiac, renal, and skeletal muscle disease models, and has entered clinical trials under the name Elamipretide.

Type

Mitochondria-targeting tetrapeptide · D-Arg-Dmt-Lys-Phe-NH2

Research Areas

Cardiolipin interaction, ATP production, mitochondrial ROS

Amino Acids

4 residues (D-Arg-Dmt-Lys-Phe-NH2)

Molecular Weight

639.8 g/mol

Target

Inner mitochondrial membrane / Cardiolipin

Molecular Formula

C32H49N9O5

Key Pathways

Cardiolipin · ETC · ROS · ATP synthesis

Primary Research

Mitochondrial bioenergetics, cardiac function

Research Models

Cardiac, renal, and aged murine models

1. 01Cardiolipin InteractionSS-31 selectively concentrates in the inner mitochondrial membrane where it binds to cardiolipin — a phospholipid essential for mitochondrial membrane integrity and electron transport chain organisation. Research examines how this interaction affects membrane curvature and Complex I-IV efficiency.
2. 02ROS Reduction & Oxidative StressLaboratory studies have investigated SS-31's capacity to reduce mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation. Research proposes that cardiolipin stabilisation reduces electron leak from the ETC, decreasing superoxide production and oxidative damage.
3. 03ATP Production & BioenergeticsResearch has examined SS-31's effects on oxidative phosphorylation efficiency and ATP synthesis rates. Studies in cardiac and skeletal muscle models report improved bioenergetic output in models of mitochondrial dysfunction, ischaemia, and age-related decline.