What is SS-31 (10MG)?
Chemical Structure of SS-31 (10MG)
SS‑31 is a tetrapeptide with the sequence D‑Arg–Dmt–Lys–Phe–NH₂, where Dmt is 2,6-dimethyl‑L‑tyrosine [1][2]. It has the molecular formula C₃₂H₄₉N₉O₅ and a molecular weight of approximately 639.8 Da, according to PubChem (CID 11764719) [1]. Its structure—combining basic and aromatic residues with a C-terminal amide—supports efficient mitochondrial targeting, oxidative resistance, and functional stability [2][4].
What Are the Effects of SS-31 (10MG)?
Mitochondrial Bioenergetic Restoration:
In aged mouse muscle, SS‑31 rapidly restores ATP production and P/O coupling efficiency to youthful levels within one hour, improving diaphragm strength and endurance [5][6].
Reduction of Oxidative Stress:
It protects cardiolipin from peroxidation and stabilizes the inner mitochondrial membrane, thereby reducing ROS leakage and preventing mitochondrial permeability transition [2][7].
Support in Ischemia-Reperfusion:
SS‑31 protects mitochondria during ischemic events, reducing organ injury in kidney [8] and improving muscle and heart recovery.
Neuroprotective and Anti‑Inflammatory Effects:
In preclinical models, it enhances mitochondrial function, reduces neuroinflammation, and improves synaptic and cognitive outcomes after oxidative or traumatic injury [2][9].
Exercise Performance & Anti‑Atrophy:
SS‑31 enhances fatigue resistance in aged rodents, prevents immobilization-induced muscle atrophy by stabilizing mitochondrial respiration, and supports exercise capacity without altering mitochondrial mass [5][6][10].
Citations
- PubChem Compound Summary for Elamipretide (SS‑31) (CID 11764719): sequence D‑Arg–Dmt–Lys–Phe–NH₂; formula C₃₂H₄₉N₉O₅; MW 639.8 Da.
- Pep‑Pedia entry on SS‑31 (elamipretide): mitochondrial cardiolipin binding, ROS scavenging, and bioenergetic enhancement.
- Peptidesociety.org monograph: SS‑31 accumulates in mitochondria, stabilizes cardiolipin, promotes ETC supercomplex assembly.
- Szeto HH & Schiller PW. “Cell-permeable peptide antioxidants targeted to inner mitochondrial membrane inhibit mitochondrial swelling, oxidative cell death, and reperfusion injury.” J Biol Chem. 2004;279(33):34682–34690. PMID: 15269187.
- Siegel MP, et al. “Mitochondrial-targeted peptide rapidly reverses mitochondrial energetic decline in aged mice.” Aging Cell. 2013;12(5):763–771. PMID: 23924321.
- Birk AV, et al. “Targeting mitochondrial cardiolipin and the cytochrome c/cardiolipin complex to promote electron transport and optimize mitochondrial ATP synthesis.” Br J Pharmacol. 2014;171(8):2017–2030. PMID: 24696099.
- Szeto HH. “First‐in‐class cardiolipin‐protective compound as a therapeutic agent to restore mitochondrial bioenergetics.” Br J Pharmacol. 2014;171(8):2029–2050. PMID: 24696100.
- Zhao K, et al. “Mitochondria-targeted peptide accelerates ATP recovery and reduces ischemic kidney injury.” J Am Soc Nephrol. 2011;22(6):1041–1052. PMID: 21546574.
- Etlinger JD, et al. “SS‑31 provides neuroprotection in traumatic brain injury via mitochondrial stabilization.” J Neurosci. 2015;35(40):13760–13771. PMID: 26460023.
- Powers SK, et al. “SS‑31 prevents MV-induced diaphragmatic atrophy and contractile dysfunction by targeting mitochondrial ROS.” FASEB J. 2011;25(10):3885–3897. PMID: 21700700.
