Research monograph · mitochondria-targeted aromatic-cationic tetrapeptide (cardiolipin-binding)
Mitochondrial Function Studies
This monograph collects what the published literature reports about SS-31 — its mechanisms, the areas it is studied in, its molecular record and the sources behind them. It does not bind a receptor; it associates with cardiolipin, a phospholipid specific to that membrane and central to its structural integrity. Research examines mitochondrial function and cristae architecture.
For laboratory research use only — not for human or animal use
Mechanisms
Inner Mitochondrial Membrane Stabilization
Rather than binding a receptor it associates with cardiolipin, a phospholipid found only in the inner mitochondrial membrane and central to its structure. That specificity is what concentrates it there.
Mitochondrial Reactive Oxygen Species Reduction
Stabilising cristae architecture is reported to reduce electron leak — the proposed route to lowering ROS production at source rather than scavenging it afterwards.
Bioenergetic Function Restoration
ATP synthesis is measured in models of mitochondrial dysfunction, where the question is whether structural stabilisation translates into recovered output.
Studied applications
Cardiac mitochondria are unusually dense, which is why heart failure models feature so heavily for a cardiolipin-binding compound.
Daubert MA et al. 2017
Reperfusion generates a burst of reactive oxygen species, making it a direct test of the proposed mechanism.
Zhao K et al. 2007
Cristae architecture and bioenergetic output are measured in aged tissue against younger controls.
Siegel MP et al. 2013
Renal tubular cells are also mitochondria-rich, and the endpoints mirror the cardiac work.
Birk AV et al. 2013
What the published work measures
The endpoints reported across the literature for this compound. The figures belong to the individual papers, not to us.
Reference values
Scroll for full molecular data →
| Sequence | D-Arg-Dmt-Lys-Phe-NH2 |
|---|---|
| Molecular weight | 638.80 g/mol |
| Molecular formula | C32H49N9O5 |
| Physical form | Lyophilized powder (5mg) |
| Documented purity | Quantified by HPLC, reported per lot |
| Storage | -20°C for long-term stability |
| Solubility | Soluble in water |
| Available sizes | 10mg |
FAQ
SS-31, also called elamipretide, is a four-residue peptide that concentrates at the inner mitochondrial membrane. It does not bind a receptor; it associates with cardiolipin, a phospholipid specific to that membrane and central to its structural integrity. Research examines mitochondrial function and cristae architecture.
Published research on SS-31 concentrates on Heart Failure, Reperfusion Injury, Mitochondrial Aging and Renal Protection. Each of those areas is summarised further up this page with the citation it comes from, and the full reference list — 4 indexed publications — sits at the bottom. Study designs and concentrations vary considerably between publications, so the primary sources are worth reading directly.
The literature describes SS-31 acting across Inner Mitochondrial Membrane Stabilization, Mitochondrial Reactive Oxygen Species Reduction and Bioenergetic Function Restoration, reported respectively as Cardiolipin Binding, ROS Scavenging and ATP Synthesis. Those pathways are drawn from preclinical models rather than clinical work, and they describe what has been observed rather than a settled mechanism — the individual pathway cards above cite what each one is based on.
SS-31 has a molecular formula of C32H49N9O5, an average mass of 638.8 g/mol and the sequence D-Arg-Dmt-Lys-Phe-NH2. It is indexed under CAS Elamipretide, MTP-131, Bendavia. It ships as lyophilized powder (5mg). Those are nominal reference values for the parent compound. The identity of the specific material you receive is confirmed by mass spectrometry and reported on that lot's certificate.
Store the sealed vial at -20°C, protected from light and moisture, and let it reach room temperature before opening so condensation does not form on cold powder. SS-31 is soluble in water; reconstitute by directing the diluent down the vial wall rather than onto the powder, then swirl to dissolve rather than shaking. Keep reconstituted solution refrigerated and avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles — solutions are far less stable than lyophilized powder.
No. SS-31 is supplied strictly for in-vitro laboratory research and development. It is not a drug, food, supplement or cosmetic, it has not been evaluated by the FDA, and it is not intended for human or animal consumption, ingestion, injection or any in-vivo use. Ordering confirms you are a qualified researcher or institution purchasing on that basis.
Cited sources
Independent published research indexed from PubMed — not Routine Peptides claims.
Before you order
Every production run is analyzed by an independent laboratory, and the certificate for your lot travels with the order — not a catalog-wide document, and not a summary written by us.
