SS-31 Peptide (Elamipretide): a mitochondria-targeted tetrapeptide
SS-31 peptide (D-Arg-Dmt-Lys-Phe-NH2), also known as elamipretide, is a cell-permeable tetrapeptide that concentrates in the inner mitochondrial membrane, where it binds cardiolipin. In laboratory models it helped preserve mitochondrial structure and energy production under stress, and it has been evaluated in human clinical trials under the name elamipretide. Researchers comparing SS-31 vs MOTS-c will find both compounds here, supplied for laboratory research use only.
Specifications
| Sequence | D-Arg-Dmt-Lys-Phe-NH2 |
|---|---|
| CAS number | 736992-21-5 |
| Molecular weight | 640.8 g/mol |
| Purity | ≥98% (HPLC) |
| Target | Cardiolipin, inner mitochondrial membrane |
How SS-31 works
Cardiolipin is a lipid that holds the energy-producing complexes of the inner mitochondrial membrane in place. Birk et al. (2013) showed that SS-31 binds cardiolipin and helped restore energy production in mitochondria damaged by loss of blood flow in a kidney model.
Szeto (2014) reviewed the compound's development as a cardiolipin-protective agent across multiple disease models.
SS-31 vs MOTS-c
Both are studied in mitochondrial research but work very differently. SS-31 is a synthetic tetrapeptide that acts at the inner mitochondrial membrane. MOTS-c is a 16-amino-acid peptide naturally encoded in mitochondrial DNA; in mice it acted as a signalling molecule affecting metabolic balance and insulin sensitivity (Lee et al., 2015).
- SS-31: synthetic, 4 amino acids, binds cardiolipin inside mitochondria.
- MOTS-c: naturally occurring, 16 amino acids, signals metabolic pathways beyond the mitochondrion.
Frequently asked questions
What is SS-31 peptide?
A synthetic tetrapeptide (D-Arg-Dmt-Lys-Phe-NH2), also called elamipretide, that binds cardiolipin in the inner mitochondrial membrane.
What is the difference between SS-31 and MOTS-c?
SS-31 is a synthetic cardiolipin-binding tetrapeptide; MOTS-c is a naturally mitochondria-encoded 16-amino-acid signalling peptide studied for metabolic effects.
Is SS-31 the same as elamipretide?
Yes — elamipretide is the name used for SS-31 in clinical development.
Where can I buy SS-31 peptide for research?
PeptidesDirect sells SS-31 in 25mg and 50mg vials for laboratory research only. Orders placed before 1:00 PM Central on business days ship the same day. See our research peptides guide (/learn/research-peptides) for how to compare suppliers and read test documents.
How should SS-31 be stored?
Keep lyophilised SS-31 cold, dry and away from light; refrigerate reconstituted solutions. See our research peptides guide (/learn/research-peptides) for how to compare suppliers and read test documents.
Is this product for human use?
No. PeptidesDirect sells this compound for laboratory research only. It is not a drug, food or cosmetic and is not for human or veterinary use. This page summarises published research and is not dosing or medical guidance.
References
- Birk AV, et al. The mitochondrial-targeted compound SS-31 re-energizes ischemic mitochondria by interacting with cardiolipin. J Am Soc Nephrol. 2013. PubMed 23813215
- Szeto HH. First-in-class cardiolipin-protective compound as a therapeutic agent to restore mitochondrial bioenergetics. Br J Pharmacol. 2014. PubMed 24117165
- Lee C, et al. The mitochondrial-derived peptide MOTS-c promotes metabolic homeostasis and reduces obesity and insulin resistance. Cell Metab. 2015. PubMed 25738459
Research compounds
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Research Use Only. Not for human or veterinary use. Not dosing or medical guidance.
