SS-31 is a synthetic, mitochondria-targeting tetrapeptide studied extensively for its potential influence on mitochondrial membrane function, cellular energetics, and oxidative stress. It is also commonly known in research literature as Elamipretide, MTP-131, and Bendavia.

Unlike compounds that rely primarily on mitochondrial membrane potential for accumulation, SS-31 has been investigated for its ability to associate with the inner mitochondrial membrane and interact with cardiolipin, a specialized phospholipid that plays an important role in mitochondrial structure and function.

This interaction has made SS-31 particularly interesting for research involving electron transport, mitochondrial membrane organization, ATP production, and reactive oxygen species. Experimental models have examined how SS-31 may influence mitochondrial efficiency and cellular responses under conditions associated with mitochondrial stress or dysfunction.

Because mitochondria provide energy required for many fundamental cellular processes, SS-31 is studied across a broad range of experimental fields involving cellular bioenergetics, oxidative biology, mitochondrial signaling, and maintenance of cellular homeostasis.

SS-31 is a four-amino-acid synthetic peptide belonging to the Szeto-Schiller (SS) family of mitochondria-targeting peptides. Despite its small size, it possesses physicochemical characteristics that allow it to localize preferentially within mitochondria.

A defining area of SS-31 research involves cardiolipin, a phospholipid concentrated within the inner mitochondrial membrane. Cardiolipin contributes to membrane architecture and supports proteins involved in the electron transport chain and oxidative phosphorylation.

SS-31 has been investigated for its ability to interact with cardiolipin and influence the mitochondrial environment. Researchers have explored whether these interactions can help preserve membrane organization, improve electron transport efficiency, influence ATP generation, and modify the production of reactive oxygen species under experimental stress conditions.

This mitochondrial targeting distinguishes SS-31 from many conventional antioxidant research compounds. Rather than functioning simply as a general antioxidant, research surrounding SS-31 focuses heavily on its direct relationship with mitochondrial membranes and mitochondrial bioenergetics.

• CAS Number: 736992-21-5
• Molecular Weight: ~639.8 g/mol
• Purity: ≥99%
• Also Known As: Elamipretide, MTP-131, Bendavia, SS-31
• Chemical Formula: C₃₂H₄₉N₉O₅

SS-31 is primarily investigated through its interaction with the inner mitochondrial membrane, particularly the phospholipid cardiolipin.

Cardiolipin helps organize proteins and protein complexes involved in the mitochondrial electron transport chain. Changes to cardiolipin structure or oxidation state can affect mitochondrial membrane integrity and the efficiency with which mitochondria convert nutrients into cellular energy.

SS-31 can associate with cardiolipin through electrostatic and hydrophobic interactions. Research suggests this relationship may influence membrane organization and the environment surrounding electron-transport-chain proteins.

Experimental studies consequently examine SS-31 for effects on oxidative phosphorylation, ATP generation, mitochondrial membrane function, electron transport, and reactive oxygen species (ROS).

An important distinction is that SS-31 research is not limited to direct scavenging of free radicals. Its mitochondrial localization and cardiolipin interactions provide a broader experimental model for studying how mitochondrial structure influences cellular energy production and oxidative balance.

• Mitochondrial Function
• Cellular Energy & ATP Production
• Cardiolipin Research
• Electron Transport Chain Research
• Oxidative Stress
• Mitochondrial Membrane Research
• Cellular Stress & Homeostasis