SS-31

SS-31, also known as Elamipretide, is a synthetic mitochondrial-targeted peptide designed to interact with components of the inner mitochondrial membrane. It is widely studied in molecular, biochemical, and mitochondrial research, especially in relation to cellular energy regulation and oxidative stress pathways.

Unlike many other peptides, SS-31 is specifically designed to localize in mitochondria, where it binds to cardiolipin, an important phospholipid that supports the structure and function of mitochondria. This targeted mechanism makes SS-31 a valuable research peptide for studying mitochondrial dynamics, energy production, and cellular signaling processes.

History of SS-31

SS-31 was developed within research on mitochondrial-directed compounds with the goal of improving the understanding of mitochondrial efficiency and structural integrity. Early studies focused on the interaction with cardiolipin and mitochondrial membranes, while later studies expanded to energy management, oxidative stress and signaling pathways.

This unique targeting mechanism has made SS-31 an important molecule in mitochondrial research and cellular energy studies.

Structure and Molecular Data of SS-31

Peptide Name: SS-31 (Elamipretide)
Type of peptide: Mitochondrial-targeted peptide
Sequence: D-Arg-Dmt-Lys-Phe-NH₂
Molecular Formula: C₃₂H₄₉N₉O₅
Molecular mass: ~639.8 g/mol

SS-31 consists of a short peptide chain with structural properties that allow selective localization in mitochondrial membranes, which makes it relevant for targeted molecular research.

Research findings of SS-31

SS-31 has been studied extensively in mitochondrial, cellular and biochemical models, with a focus on energy production and oxidative balance.

Key areas of research include:

• Interaction with cardiolipin and mitochondrial membrane stability
• Cellular Energy Production and ATP-Related Pathways
• Regulation of oxidative stress and redox balance
• Mitochondrial signal transmission and modulation of pathways

Main research domains

Mitochondrial research
Focus on membrane integrity, cardiolipin interaction, and energy production.

Metabolic research
Research on cellular energy balance and metabolic efficiency.

Molecular research
Analysis of signaling pathways and peptide-mediated regulation.

Systemic research
Study of dynamics within complex biological systems.

Scientific Relevance of SS-31

SS-31 is considered an important mitochondrial research peptide, especially valuable for studying cellular energy processes, oxidative stress, and mitochondrial function.

The targeted interaction with mitochondrial membranes provides a unique model to investigate energy production, structural stability, and biochemical signal transmission within experimental systems.

Due to its specificity and mechanism of action, SS-31 remains highly relevant in biochemistry, molecular biology and mitochondrial research.

References

Szeto HH. (2006). Mitochondria-targeted peptides and cellular protection.
Birk AV. et al. (2013). SS-31 and mitochondrial bioenergetics.
Zhao K. et al. (2004). Interaction of SS-31 with mitochondrial membranes.