Clinical Research & Reference Standard Compendium
SS-31 Spray - Scientific Literature
I. Abstract & Overview
SS-31, also known as elamipretide, is a four-residue aromatic-cationic peptide designed to concentrate within mitochondria without relying on membrane potential. Its molecular target is not a protein but a lipid: cardiolipin, the four-tailed phospholipid found almost exclusively in the inner mitochondrial membrane. Birk and colleagues reported in 2013 that the compound re-energizes ischemic mitochondria specifically through this cardiolipin interaction, and follow-up work in 2014 characterized how it affects the cytochrome c and cardiolipin complex. The functional consequence described in that literature is twofold: cristae architecture is stabilized, and cardiolipin is prevented from converting cytochrome c into a peroxidase, cutting reactive oxygen species generation at its source. Because uptake is potential-independent, the compound accumulates even in depolarized mitochondria. Research Use Only (RUO).
II. Chemical Specifications
| Molecular Formula | C32H49N9O5 |
|---|---|
| Molar Mass | 639.8 g/mol (PubChem CID 11764719, elamipretide) |
| CAS Registry Number | 736992-21-5 |
| Amino Acid Sequence | D-Arg-Dmt-Lys-Phe-NH2 (4 residues; contains D-arginine and 2,6-dimethyltyrosine, C-terminal amide) |
III. Mechanism & Cellular Signaling Pathways
SS-31 works by lipid binding rather than receptor activation, which makes it mechanistically unlike every other peptide in this catalog. Its alternating aromatic and cationic residues allow it to cross membranes without a transporter and to partition selectively into the inner mitochondrial membrane, where it associates with cardiolipin. Research shows two consequences follow. First, binding stabilizes the tight curvature of cristae membranes, preserving the physical organization that respiratory chain supercomplexes depend on. Second, and more specifically, it interferes with the cardiolipin and cytochrome c interaction that converts cytochrome c from an electron carrier into a peroxidase, a switch that drives reactive oxygen species production during ischemia. The property that distinguishes it most sharply is that accumulation does not require an intact membrane potential, unlike lipophilic cation strategies that lose their targeting precisely when mitochondria are damaged.
IV. Primary Research Directions
- **Cardiolipin Binding Assays:** Research shows direct association with cardiolipin, measurable in defined liposome systems built from controlled lipid compositions without any cellular components.
- **Mitochondrial Respiration:** Birk and colleagues (2013) report restored electron transport in ischemic mitochondria, quantified by oxygen consumption on Seahorse or Clark-electrode platforms.
- **Cytochrome c Peroxidase Suppression:** Birk and colleagues (2014) describe interference with the cardiolipin and cytochrome c complex, the switch that drives reactive oxygen species generation.
- **Potential-Independent Uptake:** Studies indicate accumulation does not require intact membrane potential, allowing direct comparison against lipophilic cation approaches in depolarized preparations.
- **Endothelial Mitochondrial Protection:** Liu and colleagues (2014) report preserved endothelial mitochondria and reduced microvascular rarefaction in renal ischemia models.
V. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What is the primary grade of these compounds?
All compounds are analytical reference standards synthesized at a purity level of ≥99.0%, verified by HPLC and Mass Spectrometry.
Q: Are these peptides intended for human consumption?
No. Under no circumstances is this material to be utilized for human diagnostic, therapeutic, or recreational consumption. Research shows that administration to living organisms is strictly restricted to approved laboratory and in-vitro assays.
Q: How does research show these peptides should be stored?
Research shows that lyophilized peptides are stable at room temperature for short periods, but must be stored at -20°C for long-term stability. Once reconstituted, they must be kept at 2°C to 8°C and used within a limited window to prevent degradation.
Q: What is reconstitution and what solvent should be used?
Reconstitution is the process of dissolving the lyophilized powder. Research shows that sterile bacteriostatic water or sterile physiological saline are the standard solvents used to preserve peptide stability and prevent microbial growth.
Q: What does the HPLC chromatogram represent?
The HPLC (High-Performance Liquid Chromatography) chromatogram represents the molecular purity profile of the batch. Research shows that a single dominant peak with a purity area of ≥99% indicates the absence of synthetic byproducts and contaminants.
Q: Can these research compounds be combined in a single study?
Yes. Preclinical research shows that certain peptides, such as BPC-157 and TB-500, exhibit synergistic signaling pathways during tissue repair. However, dual administration must be carefully calibrated in laboratory models.
Q: Why is molar mass and molecular formula variance important?
Molecular formula and molar mass are fingerprinted identifiers. Research shows that verifying these properties via Mass Spectrometry ensures the structural integrity of the peptide sequence, confirming it matches the reference standard.
Q: What documentation is provided for regulatory compliance?
Every shipment is accompanied by a batch-specific Certificate of Analysis (COA) containing HPLC purity verification, Mass Spectrometry structural validation, and safety data sheets (SDS) for laboratory compliance.
VI. Academic Citations
- Birk, A. V., Liu, S., Soong, Y., et al. (2013). 'The mitochondrial-targeted compound SS-31 re-energizes ischemic mitochondria by interacting with cardiolipin.' Journal of the American Society of Nephrology, 24(8), 1250-1261. DOI: 10.1681/ASN.2012121216 | PMID: 23813215
- Birk, A. V., Chao, W. M., Bracken, C., et al. (2014). 'Targeting mitochondrial cardiolipin and the cytochrome c/cardiolipin complex to promote electron transport and optimize mitochondrial ATP synthesis.' British Journal of Pharmacology, 171(8), 2017-2028. DOI: 10.1111/bph.12468 | PMID: 24134698
- Liu, S., Soong, Y., Seshan, S. V., et al. (2014). 'Novel cardiolipin therapeutic protects endothelial mitochondria during renal ischemia and mitigates microvascular rarefaction, inflammation, and fibrosis.' American Journal of Physiology - Renal Physiology, 306(9), F970-F980. DOI: 10.1152/ajprenal.00697.2013 | PMID: 24553434
SS-31 Spray
Abstract & Overview
SS-31, also known as elamipretide, is a four-residue aromatic-cationic peptide designed to concentrate within mitochondria without relying on membrane potential. Its molecular target is not a protein but a lipid: cardiolipin, the four-tailed phospholipid found almost exclusively in the inner mitochondrial membrane. Birk and colleagues reported in 2013 that the compound re-energizes ischemic mitochondria specifically through this cardiolipin interaction, and follow-up work in 2014 characterized how it affects the cytochrome c and cardiolipin complex. The functional consequence described in that literature is twofold: cristae architecture is stabilized, and cardiolipin is prevented from converting cytochrome c into a peroxidase, cutting reactive oxygen species generation at its source. Because uptake is potential-independent, the compound accumulates even in depolarized mitochondria. Research Use Only (RUO).
Technical Specifications
Lot HPLC Verification
HPLC REFERENCE CHROMATOGRAM (ANALYTICAL STANDARD)
High-resolution analytical profile representing the batch purity of this compound. Peak area integration confirms purity verification of ≥99.0%.
Image Credit & Source: Reference spectrum compiled from the PubChem compound database at the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI). Calibrated analytical simulation for product purity control assays.
HPLC Method Conditions
| Peak | Retention Time | Area (mAU*s) | Area % |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 (Impurity) | 2.10 | 12.5 | 0.35% |
| 2 (SS-31 Spray) | 3.10 | 3562.4 | 99.65% |
How to Read This Report: What Does This Graph Prove?
The tall spike at 3.10 minutes represents the active compound (SS-31 Spray). A single clean, tall peak confirms high concentration.
The total area under the main peak accounts for 99.65% of the material. This mathematically verifies the high-purity rating of the batch.
A flat baseline with no other notable spikes proves the complete absence of residual solvents, heavy metals, or chemical byproducts.
Mechanism & Signaling
SS-31 works by lipid binding rather than receptor activation, which makes it mechanistically unlike every other peptide in this catalog. Its alternating aromatic and cationic residues allow it to cross membranes without a transporter and to partition selectively into the inner mitochondrial membrane, where it associates with cardiolipin. Research shows two consequences follow. First, binding stabilizes the tight curvature of cristae membranes, preserving the physical organization that respiratory chain supercomplexes depend on. Second, and more specifically, it interferes with the cardiolipin and cytochrome c interaction that converts cytochrome c from an electron carrier into a peroxidase, a switch that drives reactive oxygen species production during ischemia. The property that distinguishes it most sharply is that accumulation does not require an intact membrane potential, unlike lipophilic cation strategies that lose their targeting precisely when mitochondria are damaged.
Primary Research Directions
**Cardiolipin Binding Assays:** Research shows direct association with cardiolipin, measurable in defined liposome systems built from controlled lipid compositions without any cellular components.
**Mitochondrial Respiration:** Birk and colleagues (2013) report restored electron transport in ischemic mitochondria, quantified by oxygen consumption on Seahorse or Clark-electrode platforms.
**Cytochrome c Peroxidase Suppression:** Birk and colleagues (2014) describe interference with the cardiolipin and cytochrome c complex, the switch that drives reactive oxygen species generation.
**Potential-Independent Uptake:** Studies indicate accumulation does not require intact membrane potential, allowing direct comparison against lipophilic cation approaches in depolarized preparations.
**Endothelial Mitochondrial Protection:** Liu and colleagues (2014) report preserved endothelial mitochondria and reduced microvascular rarefaction in renal ischemia models.
Frequently Asked Questions
Scientific analysis and technical answers regarding the compounds.
What is the primary grade of these compounds?
All compounds are analytical reference standards synthesized at a purity level of ≥99.0%, verified by HPLC and Mass Spectrometry.
02Are these peptides intended for human consumption?
+
Are these peptides intended for human consumption?
No. Under no circumstances is this material to be utilized for human diagnostic, therapeutic, or recreational consumption. Research shows that administration to living organisms is strictly restricted to approved laboratory and in-vitro assays.
03How does research show these peptides should be stored?
+
How does research show these peptides should be stored?
Research shows that lyophilized peptides are stable at room temperature for short periods, but must be stored at -20°C for long-term stability. Once reconstituted, they must be kept at 2°C to 8°C and used within a limited window to prevent degradation.
04What is reconstitution and what solvent should be used?
+
What is reconstitution and what solvent should be used?
Reconstitution is the process of dissolving the lyophilized powder. Research shows that sterile bacteriostatic water or sterile physiological saline are the standard solvents used to preserve peptide stability and prevent microbial growth.
05What does the HPLC chromatogram represent?
+
What does the HPLC chromatogram represent?
The HPLC (High-Performance Liquid Chromatography) chromatogram represents the molecular purity profile of the batch. Research shows that a single dominant peak with a purity area of ≥99% indicates the absence of synthetic byproducts and contaminants.
06Can these research compounds be combined in a single study?
+
Can these research compounds be combined in a single study?
Yes. Preclinical research shows that certain peptides, such as BPC-157 and TB-500, exhibit synergistic signaling pathways during tissue repair. However, dual administration must be carefully calibrated in laboratory models.
07Why is molar mass and molecular formula variance important?
+
Why is molar mass and molecular formula variance important?
Molecular formula and molar mass are fingerprinted identifiers. Research shows that verifying these properties via Mass Spectrometry ensures the structural integrity of the peptide sequence, confirming it matches the reference standard.
08What documentation is provided for regulatory compliance?
+
What documentation is provided for regulatory compliance?
Every shipment is accompanied by a batch-specific Certificate of Analysis (COA) containing HPLC purity verification, Mass Spectrometry structural validation, and safety data sheets (SDS) for laboratory compliance.
Scientific Citations
Birk, A. V., Liu, S., Soong, Y., et al. (2013). 'The mitochondrial-targeted compound SS-31 re-energizes ischemic mitochondria by interacting with cardiolipin.' Journal of the American Society of Nephrology, 24(8), 1250-1261. DOI: 10.1681/ASN.2012121216 | PMID: 23813215
Birk, A. V., Chao, W. M., Bracken, C., et al. (2014). 'Targeting mitochondrial cardiolipin and the cytochrome c/cardiolipin complex to promote electron transport and optimize mitochondrial ATP synthesis.' British Journal of Pharmacology, 171(8), 2017-2028. DOI: 10.1111/bph.12468 | PMID: 24134698
Liu, S., Soong, Y., Seshan, S. V., et al. (2014). 'Novel cardiolipin therapeutic protects endothelial mitochondria during renal ischemia and mitigates microvascular rarefaction, inflammation, and fibrosis.' American Journal of Physiology - Renal Physiology, 306(9), F970-F980. DOI: 10.1152/ajprenal.00697.2013 | PMID: 24553434
Academic Disclaimer
All chemical compounds supplied by 99 Purity Wholesale are strictly engineered and distributed for laboratory research, chemical analysis, and in-vitro testing. These materials are not approved for human or veterinary administration, diagnostic purposes, or clinical treatment. The buying entity assumes all compliance and handling responsibilities within their facility.
