Product Specifications: Lyophilized Powder (>99% purity) in 3ml vial. *Requires Reconstitution ** Available for bulk custom order with 57 Cap/Crimp colors to choose from.
Application: Research peptide evaluated in reversing mitochondrial dysfunction, neuroprotective properties, cardiovascular health, kidney disease, cancer, and anti-aging.
Chemical Formula: C32H49N9O5
CAS Number: 736992-21-5
Molecular Weight: ~639.8 g/mol
Concentration: ≥99%
SS-31 (also known as elamipretide or MTP-131) is a synthetic mitochondria-targeting peptide that has gained significant attention in scientific research. This small, water-soluble tetrapeptide has remarkable properties that allow it to selectively target and accumulate in the inner mitochondrial membrane, making it a promising candidate for treating various diseases associated with mitochondrial dysfunction.
Structure and Pharmacokinetic Properties
SS-31 is a cell-permeable aromatic cationic tetrapeptide with a molecular weight of 639.8 g/mol. At physiological pH, it carries a net charge of 3+, which enables its selective targeting and accumulation in the inner mitochondrial membrane via electrostatic and hydrophobic interactions. Studies have shown that SS-31 can concentrate approximately 5000-fold in the mitochondria.
The peptide has several advantageous properties that make it suitable for therapeutic applications:
- It is small and easy to synthesize
- It is water-soluble and stable in solution
- It is not easily degraded by peptidases
- Its uptake is not dependent on mitochondrial energy or membrane potential
- It is rapidly absorbed after administration, reaching peak plasma levels within 15 minutes
- It distributes to various organs with highest concentration in the kidneys
- It has a relatively long elimination half-life of approximately 2 hours
Mechanism of Action
The therapeutic potential of SS-31 stems from its unique mechanism of action. SS-31 binds to cardiolipin in the inner mitochondrial membrane, which results in several beneficial effects:
- Promotes electron transfer in the respiratory chain
- Reduces electron leakage and subsequent reactive oxygen species (ROS) production
- Increases ATP synthesis
- Inhibits cytochrome C peroxidase activity
- Prevents mitochondrial depolarization
- Inhibits mitochondrial permeability transition pore formation
- Prevents Ca²⁺-induced mitochondrial swelling
Importantly, SS-31 has no effects on normal mitochondria, which contributes to its favorable safety profile. This selective action on dysfunctional mitochondria makes it particularly valuable as a therapeutic agent.
Research Applications of SS-31
1. Mitochondrial Dysfunction
SS-31 is primarily researched for its ability to improve mitochondrial function and reduce oxidative stress. This makes it a potential treatment for diseases related to mitochondrial dysfunction, such as:
- Alzheimer's disease
- Parkinson's disease
- Huntington's disease
The peptide demonstrates remarkable efficacy in reducing elevated levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) resulting from mitochondrial dysfunction. By targeting the fundamental cause of these diseases rather than just their symptoms, SS-31 represents a novel therapeutic approach.
2. Neuroprotection
Research has shown that SS-31 has neuroprotective effects, potentially reducing the risk of various neurological conditions:
- Stroke
- Traumatic brain injury
- Multiple sclerosis
- Spinal cord injury
The neuroprotective effects of SS-31 likely stem from its ability to preserve mitochondrial function in neurons, which are highly energy-dependent cells.
3. Cardiovascular Health
SS-31 is currently undergoing clinical trials for the treatment of heart failure. Its researched benefits for cardiovascular health include:
- Reducing inflammation
- Improving blood flow
- Preventing cardiac damage
Studies have shown that SS-31 treatment can ameliorate cardiac mitochondrial abnormalities and restore mitochondrial morphology in experimental models.
4. Kidney Disease
SS-31 has received significant research attention for its potential to treat various kidney conditions, including:
- Acute kidney injury (AKI)
- Chronic kidney disease (CKD)
- Diabetic nephropathy (DN)
- Contrast-induced nephropathy
- Ischemia-reperfusion injury
In kidney disease models, SS-31 has been shown to:
- Reduce mitochondrial and intracellular ROS levels
- Inhibit NLRP3 inflammasome activation
- Suppress NADPH oxidase activity
- Improve renal oxidative stress
- Reduce apoptosis
- Ameliorate acute tubular necrosis
The high concentration of SS-31 in the kidneys after administration makes it particularly suitable for treating renal diseases.
5. Cancer Treatment
SS-31 is being investigated as a potential adjunct therapy for cancer treatment. The research focuses on:
- Reducing chemotherapy-induced side effects
- Improving treatment outcomes
By protecting normal cells from the oxidative damage often caused by chemotherapy, SS-31 may help improve the tolerability of cancer treatments while maintaining or enhancing their efficacy.
6. Aging and Age-Related Diseases
SS-31 has been studied for its potential to promote healthy aging and prevent age-related diseases, such as:
- Sarcopenia (age-related muscle loss)
- Osteoporosis
- Age-related cognitive decline
The International Peptide Society lists anti-aging as one of the most frequent uses for SS-31, highlighting its potential in this growing area of research.
7. Osteoarthritis
Research at Cornell University has revealed that SS-31 may protect cartilage from injury that leads to arthritis. This represents a potentially novel approach to treating osteoarthritis, which affects millions of people worldwide.
8. Diabetes
SS-31 has been researched for managing diabetes-related complications by:
- Reducing ROS production
- Regulating endoplasmic reticulum stress
- Modulating autophagy
- Maintaining intracellular environmental homeostasis
In diabetic kidney models and renal mesangial cells cultured in high-glucose environments, SS-31 has been shown to inhibit Nox4 expression and NADPH oxidase activity, suppressing thioredoxin-interacting protein expression and reducing oxidative stress.
References:
Szeto, H. H. (2006). Mitochondria-targeted peptide antioxidant SS-31: From the bench to bedside. AAPS Journal, 8(2), E277-E283. https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02854844
Szeto, H. H., & Birk, A. V. (2014). The mitochondrial-targeted compound SS-31 re-energizes ischemic mitochondria by interacting with cardiolipin. Journal of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, 349(3), 461-468. https://doi.org/10.1124/jpet.113.212534
Kloner, R. A., & Hale, S. L. (2019). Elamipretide (SS-31) for the treatment of Barth syndrome: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Journal of the American College of Cardiology, 73(11), 1330-1338. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jacc.2018.12.075
Disclaimer: This product is intended solely for laboratory research purposes. It is not suitable for consumption by humans, nor for medical, veterinary, or household purposes. Researchers should handle all peptides with care and adhere to strict safety guidelines during experiments. Only qualified professionals with appropriate expertise should manage and handle this product. The distributor, manufacturer, and seller of this product are not responsible for misuse or any resulting consequences. By accessing this product, you consent to comply with these terms and conditions.
