Compound Overviews
SS-31 (Elamipretide): The Mitochondrial Peptide — Research Overview
SS-31 — also known as elamipretide — is a mitochondria-targeting tetrapeptide and one of the most studied compounds in mitochondrial-function research. This overview is for laboratory and educational reference only.
What is SS-31?
SS-31 (elamipretide / MTP-131) is a synthetic tetrapeptide that preferentially concentrates on the inner mitochondrial membrane. Its defining feature in the literature is binding cardiolipin, a phospholipid essential to mitochondrial architecture.1
Mechanism
Cardiolipin binding
By associating with cardiolipin, SS-31 is studied for stabilizing cristae — the folds of the inner membrane that house the electron-transport chain.
Electron transport and ROS
Stabilizing the membrane is studied for improving electron-transport-chain efficiency and reducing reactive oxygen species (ROS) leakage — a central theme in mitochondrial-dysfunction research.
Where it fits in longevity research
Mitochondrial decline is a recurring theme in aging research, so SS-31 is frequently studied alongside NAD+ (redox coenzyme), MOTS-C (mitochondrial-derived peptide), and antioxidants like Glutathione.
Handling and reconstitution
Supplied as a lyophilized powder; reconstitute with bacteriostatic water for laboratory use and refrigerate (2–8°C). See Understanding Peptide Reconstitution and How to Store Research Peptides.
Verified purity
Renova material is third-party tested with a per-batch COA. See How to Read a Peptide COA and confirm any lot with Verify Your Vial.
References
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Szeto HH. First-in-class cardiolipin-protective compound as a therapeutic agent to restore mitochondrial bioenergetics. Br J Pharmacol. 2014;171(8):2029–2050. ↩
Questions
Frequently Asked
What is SS-31?
SS-31 (also known as elamipretide or MTP-131) is a synthetic tetrapeptide studied for concentrating on the inner mitochondrial membrane, where it binds the phospholipid cardiolipin. It is a frequent subject of mitochondrial-function research.
What is cardiolipin and why does it matter?
Cardiolipin is a phospholipid unique to the inner mitochondrial membrane that helps organize the electron-transport chain. SS-31 is studied for binding cardiolipin and stabilizing cristae structure, which research links to electron-transport efficiency and reduced reactive oxygen species.
How is SS-31 different from MOTS-C?
Both are studied in mitochondrial research but by different mechanisms: SS-31 is a membrane-targeting tetrapeptide that binds cardiolipin, while MOTS-C is a mitochondrial-derived peptide studied for metabolic signaling and insulin sensitivity.
How is SS-31 supplied?
As a lyophilized powder reconstituted with bacteriostatic water for laboratory use and refrigerated (2–8°C) afterward. Renova material ships with a per-batch third-party COA.
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For Research Use Only · Not For Human Consumption · Renova Wellness™