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SS-31 Peptide Research Australia | Mitochondrial Peptide Guide
| CAS number | 736992-21-5 |
|---|---|
| Sequence | D-Arg-Dmt-Lys-Phe-NH2 (tetrapeptide) |
| Classification | Mitochondria-targeted peptide (Szeto-Schiller series) |
| Key research areas | Cardiolipin binding, cristae preservation, ROS reduction |
| Research maturity | Substantial cellular/animal-model base across multiple tissue contexts |
SS-31 vs MOTS-c
| SS-31 | MOTS-c | |
|---|---|---|
| Classification | Synthetic mitochondria-targeted tetrapeptide | Mitochondrial-derived peptide |
| Mechanism class | Direct cardiolipin binding, membrane stabilisation | AMPK activation, stress-response signalling |
| Origin | Fully synthetic (Szeto-Schiller series) | Encoded in mitochondrial DNA |
| Key research focus | Mitochondrial structural integrity, ROS reduction | Mitochondrial-to-nuclear signalling |
| Sequence length | 4 amino acids | 16 amino acids |
SS-31 (Elamipretide) Australia research centres on a synthetic mitochondria-targeted tetrapeptide studied for its selective interaction with cardiolipin, a phospholipid unique to the inner mitochondrial membrane. This targeted binding mechanism places SS-31 in a distinct research category from receptor-agonist peptides and from mitochondrial-derived peptides like MOTS-c — rather than signalling through a receptor, SS-31 is studied for its direct structural and protective interaction with mitochondrial membranes. This guide covers SS-31's structure, its proposed cardiolipin-binding mechanism, how it compares to other mitochondrial research compounds, and the practical handling steps for research.
Key Research Points at a Glance
- A synthetic, mitochondria-targeted tetrapeptide (CAS 736992-21-5), also referred to as Elamipretide in research literature
- Studied for selective binding to cardiolipin, a phospholipid found almost exclusively on the inner mitochondrial membrane
- Proposed to help preserve mitochondrial cristae structure and electron transport chain efficiency under research conditions
- Studied for its potential role in reducing excess reactive oxygen species (ROS) production at the mitochondrial level
- Mechanistically distinct from MOTS-c despite both being studied within mitochondrial dysfunction research contexts
- Alternating D-amino acid and aromatic residue structure designed for membrane permeability and protease resistance
- Frequently searched as "SS-31 peptide Australia" or "Elamipretide research Australia" by researchers exploring mitochondrial dysfunction research
What Is SS-31? Structure and Classification
SS-31 (CAS 736992-21-5), known in research literature as Elamipretide, is a synthetic tetrapeptide with the sequence D-Arg-Dmt-Lys-Phe-NH2. Its alternating arrangement of cationic and aromatic residues, including a D-amino acid and a non-standard dimethyltyrosine (Dmt) residue, was specifically designed to promote selective accumulation in mitochondrial membranes while resisting enzymatic degradation.
This structural design is the basis for SS-31's classification as a "mitochondria-targeted peptide" — a research category defined by membrane-selective accumulation rather than by receptor binding, distinguishing it from the GH-axis and regenerative peptides that make up much of this research catalogue.
SS-31 tetrapeptide structure diagram
Simple scientific diagram showing the SS-31 tetrapeptide sequence with alternating cationic and aromatic residues, illustrating selective accumulation at the inner mitochondrial membrane. Minimalist line-art diagram, blue/white palette, no photorealistic elements.
Mechanism of Interest
SS-31's central research mechanism is its selective binding to cardiolipin, a phospholipid concentrated almost exclusively on the inner mitochondrial membrane, particularly at cristae folds where the electron transport chain complexes are organised. This targeted interaction is studied for its downstream effects on mitochondrial structure and bioenergetic efficiency.
Cardiolipin Binding and Membrane Stabilisation
Cardiolipin plays a structural role in organising electron transport chain protein complexes within the inner mitochondrial membrane. SS-31 is studied for its ability to bind cardiolipin and stabilise this organisation, particularly under research conditions associated with mitochondrial stress or oxidative damage, where cardiolipin can become peroxidised and lose its normal structural function.
SS-31 cardiolipin binding diagram
Simple diagram showing SS-31 binding to cardiolipin on the inner mitochondrial membrane, stabilising cristae structure. Minimalist flat design, blue/white palette, no photorealistic elements.
Preservation of Cristae Structure
Mitochondrial cristae — the folded inner membrane structures where ATP production is concentrated — are studied for their susceptibility to structural disruption under conditions of mitochondrial dysfunction. SS-31 research has examined its potential to help preserve normal cristae architecture, which is mechanistically linked to its cardiolipin-stabilising activity rather than any receptor-based signalling pathway.
Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) Research
A related research thread examines SS-31's potential to reduce excess reactive oxygen species production at the mitochondrial level. Because disorganised electron transport chain complexes are associated with increased ROS leakage, SS-31's proposed structural stabilisation of cardiolipin and cristae architecture is studied as a plausible mechanistic link to reduced oxidative byproduct generation in some research models.
Why SS-31 Is a Genuinely Distinct Research Category
Unlike GH-axis peptides (Ipamorelin, CJC-1295), regenerative peptides (BPC-157, TB-500), or GLP-1-pathway compounds (Retatrutide), SS-31 doesn't act through a cell-surface or nuclear receptor — its research mechanism is a direct, targeted physical interaction with a specific mitochondrial membrane lipid. It's sometimes loosely grouped with other "mitochondrial" research peptides such as MOTS-c, but the underlying mechanisms are unrelated. See our metabolic peptide guide for the broader research category context.
SS-31 vs receptor-based peptides diagram
Simple comparative diagram showing SS-31's direct membrane-targeting mechanism positioned separately from receptor-agonist research peptides. Minimalist flat design, blue/white palette, no photorealistic elements.
SS-31 vs MOTS-c
SS-31 and MOTS-c are both studied within mitochondrial research contexts, but through entirely different mechanisms. SS-31 is a synthetic tetrapeptide studied for direct cardiolipin binding and membrane stabilisation. MOTS-c is a 16-amino-acid peptide encoded within mitochondrial DNA, studied for AMPK activation and stress-responsive nuclear signalling. Researchers studying mitochondrial dysfunction may examine both compounds as addressing different aspects of mitochondrial biology — structural integrity versus metabolic signalling.
Origin of the "SS" Peptide Series
SS-31 belongs to a broader series of Szeto-Schiller peptides (the "SS" designation), developed through research into small mitochondria-targeted peptides with antioxidant and membrane-stabilising properties. SS-31 is the most extensively studied compound within this series.
Animal-Model and Cellular Research Context
SS-31 research spans a substantial base of cellular and animal-model studies examining mitochondrial dysfunction across multiple tissue and organ-system research contexts. As with other mitochondria-targeted research compounds, findings should be considered within the specific research model studied rather than generalised across contexts.
Common Misconceptions in SS-31 Research Discussion
A frequent misconception is grouping SS-31 with MOTS-c simply because both are termed "mitochondrial" peptides — SS-31 acts via direct cardiolipin binding at the membrane level, while MOTS-c acts via AMPK and nuclear signalling; the two are mechanistically unrelated. A second misconception is assuming SS-31's research interest centres on energy production directly; its primary studied mechanism is structural membrane stabilisation, with bioenergetic effects studied as a downstream consequence.
Reconstitution, Storage and Handling
SS-31 ships as a lyophilised (freeze-dried) powder. Reconstitution requires bacteriostatic water — see our reconstitution guide for the process and our peptide dosage calculator for concentration calculations.
Once reconstituted, refrigerate immediately. See our storage guide for the full set of stability variables.
Verifying SS-31 Purity
Every PhaseOne SS-31 batch is independently tested via High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) and ships with a batch-specific Certificate of Analysis. See our HPLC testing guide and research standards guide for the full process.
HPLC chromatogram example
Simplified line-chart mockup of an HPLC chromatogram: a single sharp peak on an x/y axis labelled 'retention time' and 'absorbance', clean minimalist scientific chart style, blue line on white background, no photorealistic elements.
Related Research Guides
For the mitochondrial-derived peptide comparison, see our MOTS-c peptide guide . For the broader metabolic peptide category, see our metabolic peptide guide . For handling, see our reconstitution guide and storage guide .
Sourcing SS-31 Peptide in Australia
Researchers searching for SS-31 peptide Australia or Elamipretide research Australia suppliers should prioritise vendors who provide independent, batch-specific HPLC verification confirming identity and purity. PhaseOne supplies SS-31 alongside the broader mitochondrial and metabolic research category — including MOTS-c — with the same third-party testing standard applied across every product, shipped Australia-wide.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is SS-31?
SS-31 (Elamipretide, CAS 736992-21-5) is a synthetic mitochondria-targeted tetrapeptide studied for its selective binding to cardiolipin, a phospholipid found on the inner mitochondrial membrane.
What is SS-31's proposed mechanism?
SS-31 is studied for binding cardiolipin and stabilising mitochondrial cristae structure, which is mechanistically linked to research on reduced reactive oxygen species production and preserved electron transport chain organisation.
Is SS-31 the same research category as MOTS-c?
No — despite both being studied in mitochondrial research contexts, SS-31 acts via direct cardiolipin/membrane binding while MOTS-c acts via AMPK and nuclear signalling. They are mechanistically unrelated.
What does the 'SS' in SS-31 refer to?
SS-31 belongs to the Szeto-Schiller series of mitochondria-targeted peptides, named after the researchers who developed this peptide class.
Why is SS-31's structure unusual?
It contains an alternating sequence of cationic and aromatic residues, including a D-amino acid and a dimethyltyrosine residue, designed for selective mitochondrial membrane accumulation and protease resistance.
How should SS-31 be reconstituted?
Using bacteriostatic water, following the same general process as other lyophilised research peptides, with immediate refrigeration after reconstitution.
How is SS-31 purity verified?
PhaseOne verifies every SS-31 batch via independent third-party HPLC testing with a batch-specific Certificate of Analysis.
Where can I buy SS-31 peptide in Australia?
PhaseOne supplies SS-31 for research purposes Australia-wide, with independent batch-specific HPLC testing for every product.
Disclaimer
All products supplied by PhaseOne are intended strictly for laboratory research purposes only. Products are not intended for human consumption, therapeutic use, cosmetic use, veterinary use, or diagnostic applications.
