The SS-31 10mg Research Peptide: Complete Product Guide & Scientific Overview

SS-31 10mg Research Peptide. SS-31 (Elamipretide/MTP-131) is a mitochondrial-targeted tetrapeptide undergoing extensive research for its potential to protect mitochondrial function, reduce oxidative stress, and address conditions linked to mitochondrial dysfunction.

This comprehensive guide covers everything researchers need to know about SS-31 10mg research peptide, from its mechanism of action and scientific research applications to product specifications and quality considerations.

What Is SS-31?

 Also known as Elamipretide or MTP-131, is a synthetic, cell-permeable tetrapeptide composed of four amino acids with the sequence D-Arg-2’6′-dimethylTyr-Lys-Phe-NH₂. It belongs to the Szeto-Schiller (SS) family of peptides and represents a first-in-class compound designed to selectively target the inner mitochondrial membrane.

Key Product Identifiers

Mechanism of Action: How SS-31 Works

The therapeutic potential stems from its unique ability to target and protect mitochondria through several distinct mechanisms.

1. Cardiolipin Binding and Membrane Stabilization

SS-31 selectively binds to cardiolipin, a phospholipid exclusively found in the inner mitochondrial membrane. This interaction occurs through:

• Electrostatic attraction (the peptide’s +3 net charge)

• Hydrophobic insertion into the membrane

By binding to cardiolipin, SS-31:

• Prevents cardiolipin from converting cytochrome c into a peroxidase

• Protects cytochrome c’s electron-carrying function

• Maintains mitochondrial cristae structure

• Promotes oxidative phosphorylation

2. Reducing Oxidative Stress

SS-31 has demonstrated dose-dependent scavenging of reactive oxygen species (ROS), including:

• Hydrogen peroxide

• Hydroxyl radical

• Peroxynitrite

The DMT (2,6-dimethyl-L-tyrosine) residue is primarily responsible for its free radical scavenging properties.

3. Preventing Mitochondrial Dysfunction

SS-31 prevents:

• Mitochondrial depolarization

• Mitochondrial permeability transition pore formation

• Ca²⁺-induced mitochondrial swelling

Importantly, SS-31 has no effects on normal mitochondria, suggesting targeted action only under pathological conditions.

4. Novel Mechanism: PLSCR3 Mediation

Recent research has identified phospholipid scramblase 3 (PLSCR3) as a critical mediator of SS-31’s mitochondrial protective effects.

Using genome-wide CRISPR-Cas9 screening, researchers found that PLSCR3 deletion abolishes SS-31’s cytoprotective benefits without affecting baseline injury sensitivity, positioning PLSCR3 as a novel therapeutic target.

SS-31 10mg Product Specifications

Standard Product Content

Research-grade SS-31 is typically supplied as a lyophilized (freeze-dried) powder in vials containing 10mg of the peptide.

Reconstitution Information

The lyophilized powder requires reconstitution with an appropriate solvent (typically sterile water or bacteriostatic water) before use. Standard practice involves:

• Adding calculated volume of diluent to achieve the desired concentration

• Gentle swirling—not shaking—to dissolve

• Storing reconstituted peptide at the appropriate temperature

• Using within the recommended timeframe to maintain stability

Scientific Research Applications

SS-31 has been investigated in numerous preclinical models of mitochondrial dysfunction. The 10mg product size is typically used to prepare stock solutions for research applications.

Cardioprotection

SS-31 demonstrates protective effects in cardiac ischemia/reperfusion injury models:

• Reduces myocardial cell death

• Improves overall cardiac function

• Significantly reduces the myocardial infarction area

Neuroprotection and Neuroinflammation

• Reduces oxidative stress on neurons in neurodegenerative diseases

• Decreases the accumulation of neuroinflammatory mediators and toxic proteins

• Exhibits anti-inflammatory, anti-apoptotic, and neuron-survival-promoting effects

In microglial cell studies, SS-31 and its derivatives inhibit LPS-induced inflammatory responses, reducing IL-6, IL-1β, and TNF-α expression.

Ophthalmic Applications

Diabetic Complications:

• SS-31 (10 mg/kg) reduced epithelial cellular changes in diabetic rat models

• Improved inner blood-retinal barrier function

• Reduced retinal microvascular changes

• Preserved tight junction protein claudin-5 distribution

Glaucoma:

• SS-31 prevented oxidative stress in glaucomatous trabecular meshwork cells

• Showed no cytotoxicity at concentrations up to 10⁻⁴ M

• Prevented hydrogen peroxide-induced oxidative stress at concentrations >10⁻⁹ M

Renal Protection

• SS-31 shows kidney-protective effects by alleviating mitochondrial dysfunction

• Demonstrated benefit in various experimental models of kidney disease

Mitochondrial Muscle Injury

In volumetric muscle loss (VML) models:

• SS-31 (8 mg/kg/day) attenuated ROS emissions at 7 and 14 days post-injury

• Led to greater mitochondrial respiratory conductance and efficiency out to 30 days

• Improved antioxidant buffering capacity

Dermatological Research

Recent studies have explored Exo-SS31—SS-31 loaded into milk-derived exosomes—for enhanced bioavailability in mitigating UV-induced photodamage. This delivery strategy:

• Suppresses ROS production

• Regulates SOD and GSH levels in skin

• Inhibits MMP-1/3 expression

• Prevents collagen degradation

Anti-Aging Research

SS-31’s ability to reduce oxidative stress and cellular damage suggests potential applications in inhibiting aging-related biological processes.

Research Dosage Information

Important Note: The 10mg in product listings refers to the total peptide mass per vial, not a recommended human dose.

Preclinical studies have utilized SS-31 at various dosages depending on the research model:

Researchers should determine appropriate concentrations based on their specific experimental design and objectives.

Clinical Development Status

SS-31 has progressed to human clinical trials:

• Barth Syndrome (TAZPOWER trial, Phase 2/3): SS-31 improved skeletal muscle strength, cardiac output, and quality of life. FDA approval is pending, though the drug is accessible through expanded use programs.

• Heart Failure, Primary Mitochondrial Myopathy, and Aging-Related Retinal Conditions: SS-31 has been evaluated in these contexts.

• Translational Challenges: Clinical translation faces hurdles, including limited bioavailability, challenges in establishing effective dosing regimens, incomplete mechanistic understanding, and variability in efficacy across experimental models.

Quality Considerations for Research Peptides

Purity Testing

Premium SS-31 research products should include:

• HPLC (High Performance Liquid Chromatography) purity analysis (≥95-99%)

• Mass spectrometry (ESI-MS) verification of molecular weight

• Third-party lab testing documentation

Manufacturing Standards

Look for products manufactured under:

• GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice) guidelines

• ISO 9001 certification

• USP or BP compliance

Storage and Handling

Proper storage is critical for maintaining peptide integrity:

• Lyophilized powder: Store at -20°C ± 5°C, sealed, protected from light

• Reconstituted peptide: Follow manufacturer guidelines; typically requires refrigeration and use within the specified timeframe

• Shelf life: Up to 24 months when properly stored

Bioavailability and Delivery Challenges

Peptide-based therapeutics like SS-31 face inherent bioavailability limitations:

• Poor oral bioavailability due to high molecular weight and hydrophilicity

• Rapid metabolism and enzymatic degradation

• Short half-lives

Emerging Delivery Strategies

Exosome encapsulation represents a promising approach to enhance SS-31 bioavailability:

• Milk-derived exosomes show low immunogenicity and high mucosal permeability

• Exo-SS31 demonstrates greater therapeutic efficacy than SS-31 alone in UV photodamage models

• This strategy may overcome traditional peptide delivery limitations

Derivatives and Novel Analogues

Recent research has focused on developing SS-31 derivatives with enhanced properties. Nineteen novel derivatives (5a-5s) have been synthesized and evaluated.

Notable findings:

• 5f and 5g exhibited significantly greater anti-inflammatory activity compared to SS-31:

  • Reduced LPS-induced TNF-α levels by 43% and 45% at 10 μM

  • Increased ATP synthesis by 42% and 41% at 50 nM in rotenone-induced cells

  • Attenuated mitochondrial ROS production while preserving mitochondrial integrity

These derivatives represent promising avenues for further research in neurodegenerative diseases associated with inflammation and mitochondrial damage.

Summary of Key Research Applications