Compound Profiles
SS-31 (Elamipretide): Targeting Mitochondrial Cardiolipin in Research
Healthy Aminos Research Team · · 6 min read
Molecular Profile
[SS-31](/peptides/anti-aging/ss-31) (also known as elamipretide and Bendavia) is a synthetic tetrapeptide with the sequence D-Arg-Dmt-Lys-Phe-NH2. MW: 640.76 Da (CAS: 736992-21-5). The peptide incorporates a non-natural amino acid (2,6-dimethyltyrosine, Dmt) and a D-arginine residue.
SS-31 selectively concentrates 1,000-5,000-fold in mitochondria relative to the cytosol. This enrichment is driven by electrostatic interaction between the peptide's positive charges and the mitochondrial membrane potential, combined with specific interaction with cardiolipin.
Published Research
### Protein Interaction Landscape
[Chavez et al. (2020)](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32554501/) mapped SS-31's protein interaction network in mitochondrial preparations using cross-linking mass spectrometry. The study identified interactions with multiple electron transport chain complexes and ATP synthase subunits, providing molecular-level data on the peptide's binding partners within the inner membrane.
### Aged Mitochondria
[Pharaoh et al. (2023)](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37462785/) examined SS-31's effects on ADP sensitivity in mitochondria isolated from aged mice. The study reported observations on respiratory control ratios and ADP-stimulated respiration in treated versus control preparations, with particular focus on Complex I-linked substrates.
### Mitochondrial Dysfunction Model
[Hao et al. (2019)](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31747905/) studied SS-31 in a mouse model of mitochondrial dysfunction. The authors reported measurements on electron transport chain efficiency, reactive oxygen species production, and membrane potential in treated animals.
Clinical Development
SS-31 has progressed further into clinical development than most mitochondria-targeted peptides, with multiple clinical trials conducted under the name elamipretide. The compound remains investigational.
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