SS-31 (Elamipretide)
A special peptide that goes straight to the mitochondria and helps protect the energy-producing membranes inside cells.
What Researchers Study
SS-31 (also called Elamipretide) is a small 4-amino-acid peptide designed to target the inner membrane of mitochondria. It sticks to cardiolipin, a special fat in that membrane. Researchers study it because damaged mitochondria produce too many harmful reactive oxygen species (ROS) and make less energy (ATP). SS-31 appears to stabilize the membrane and reduce that damage.
Primary Research Applications
- Measuring reduction in mitochondrial ROS (harmful oxygen molecules)
- Heart muscle cells under low oxygen conditions
- Barth syndrome and other mitochondrial disease cell models
- Tests of mitochondrial membrane health and energy output
Benefits Researchers Are Exploring (in simple terms)
- Helps stabilize the inner mitochondrial membrane by binding to cardiolipin.
- In stressed cell models, it preserves the cell's ability to make ATP (energy).
- Reduces the production of damaging ROS (superoxide and hydrogen peroxide) in mitochondria under stress.
- Studied in heart, muscle, kidney, and brain cells for protection during hypoxic or oxidative challenge.
- Has been looked at in patient-derived cells from mitochondrial diseases like Barth syndrome.
Mechanisms Under Investigation
Membrane Stabilizer
It selectively binds cardiolipin and helps keep the folded structures (cristae) of the inner mitochondrial membrane in good shape.
Energy Protection
By improving electron transport chain organization, it helps cells maintain ATP production even when under oxidative or low-oxygen stress.
Lower ROS
It decreases the leak of harmful reactive oxygen species from damaged mitochondria.
Reconstitution Reference (how to mix it for lab use)
| Common vial size | 50 mg |
| Reconstitution | Add 5 mL bacteriostatic water = 10 mg per mL. |
| Storage | Freeze the dry powder. |
| Typical concentrations | 1-10 micromolar (uM) in mitochondrial function assays. |
Dosing Schedule Options from Research
Example Options Used in Studies
- Acute mitochondrial tests: 1-4 hour exposure while measuring membrane potential or ROS.
- Chronic cell work: Add daily to the media for 5-10 days in longer culture studies.
- Research model: Draw **10-30 units** (1-3 mg) daily on 100-unit syringe for 4-12 weeks. Use 50 mg vial + 5 mL BAC = 10 mg/mL concentration for cardiac and muscle studies.
- Longer research references: Some published work has used daily administration for 12-24 weeks in specific cohorts.
100-Unit Insulin Syringe Conversion Chart
Reconstitution used for these calculations: 50 mg vial + 5 mL bacteriostatic water = 10 mg/mL concentration (standard for SS-31).
Important: We have already done all the math for you. U-100 insulin syringes are marked in "units" (100 units = 1 mL). Just draw the exact number of units listed below for each dose. No calculations required on your end.
| Dose (mg) | Units on 100-unit syringe (pre-calculated) |
|---|---|
| 1-2 mg daily | 10-20 units (0.10-0.20 mL) |
| 3 mg daily (higher) | 30 units (0.30 mL) |
These unit amounts assume the exact concentration listed above. Always double-check your own reconstitution volume against the chart.
Safe Research Cycle Guidelines
Example Cycle References from Research Literature
- Typical research cycle: 4-12 weeks on at 1-3 mg daily, minimum 4 weeks off.
- Longer: Up to 12-24 weeks in some studies.
- Key: Approved protocols.
Research Notes
SS-31 is unique because it works directly on the mitochondrial membrane rather than on cell surface receptors. This makes it a specialized tool for mitochondrial medicine research.
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