SS-31

Description

Compound Specifications

Common name	SS-31 (elamipretide)
Sequence	D-Arg-Dmt-Lys-Phe-NH₂
Amino acid count	4
Non-standard residues	D-Arg, Dmt (2,6-dimethyltyrosine)
C-terminus	Amidated
Structural motif	Alternating cationic / aromatic
Molecular weight	639.8 g/mol
CAS number	736992-21-5
Form	Lyophilized powder
Quantity	50mg per vial
Purity	≥99% (HPLC verified)
Storage (lyophilized)	2–8°C, protected from light
Storage (reconstituted)	2–8°C, 30 days
Third-party testing	Freedom Diagnostics

Verify sequence, molecular weight and CAS number against batch COA prior to publication.

Research Background

SS-31 is a four-residue peptide whose defining property comes not from any single residue but from the alternating pattern in which they are arranged: cationic, aromatic, cationic, aromatic. D-arginine, 2,6-dimethyltyrosine, lysine, phenylalanine.

That alternation produces a molecule with distinct charged and hydrophobic faces. Cardiolipin — a phospholipid found almost exclusively in the inner mitochondrial membrane — presents a strongly anionic surface, and the compound’s cationic residues associate with it while the aromatic residues interact with the surrounding lipid environment. This is the basis of the compound’s characterization in the literature as mitochondria-targeting: the selectivity arises from a lipid-binding interaction rather than from receptor recognition, which distinguishes it from essentially every other compound in this catalog.

Two of the four residues are non-standard. D-arginine is the mirror-image stereoisomer of the natural L-form. 2,6-dimethyltyrosine carries two methyl groups on the aromatic ring, which alters both the electronic character of the ring and the conformational freedom of the side chain. Together with C-terminal amidation, these modifications leave the molecule largely unrecognizable to proteases.

At four residues with a net positive charge and a defined amphipathic character, SS-31 belongs to a small class of peptides designed around membrane interaction rather than around a binding pocket. MOTS-C, the other mitochondrially associated compound in this catalog, works from an entirely different premise — it is a mitochondrially encoded signaling peptide, not a synthetic membrane-targeting construct.

All statements above describe molecular characteristics and published research contexts. Noxa Labs makes no claim regarding safety, efficacy, or outcomes of any kind, in humans or animals.

Handling & Storage

Lyophilized SS-31 is stable at 2–8°C when sealed and shielded from light. For storage beyond several months, -20°C is preferred.

The dimethyltyrosine residue is aromatic and moderately photosensitive; protect from prolonged light exposure, though the compound is less light-labile than tryptophan-containing sequences such as Kisspeptin-10 or PT-141.

Introduce bacteriostatic water slowly down the inner wall of the vial. Swirl gently; the net positive charge gives good aqueous solubility and dissolution is rapid. The solution should be clear and particulate-free.

Note on surfaces. Cationic peptides adsorb to glass and to some plastics. Where accurate concentration matters, low-binding labware is preferable.

Once in solution, store at 2–8°C and use within 30 days. A 50mg vial reconstituted with 5mL of bacteriostatic water yields a 10mg/mL concentration.

Concentration and volume calculator →

Purity & Testing

Every batch is synthesized at our GMP-compliant Arizona facility and independently analyzed by Freedom Diagnostics before release. Certificates of Analysis are available for any lot; contact us with your order number.

View all Certificates of Analysis →

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the alternating cationic-aromatic motif?
The four residues alternate between positively charged and aromatic, producing a molecule with distinct charged and hydrophobic faces.

What is cardiolipin?
A phospholipid found almost exclusively in the inner mitochondrial membrane. It presents a strongly anionic surface.

What is Dmt?
2,6-dimethyltyrosine — tyrosine with two methyl groups on the aromatic ring, altering ring electronics and side-chain conformational freedom.

How does SS-31 differ from MOTS-C?
Both are associated with mitochondria but on entirely different premises. SS-31 is a synthetic membrane-targeting construct; MOTS-C is a mitochondrially encoded signaling peptide.

Why does labware matter for this compound?
Cationic peptides adsorb to glass and some plastics, which can affect measured concentration.

Related Research Compounds

• MOTS-C — mitochondrially encoded peptide, different premise
• NAD+ 500mg — coenzyme in mitochondrial metabolism

Research Use Only

For Research Use Only. This product is intended solely for laboratory research purposes. It is not a drug, food, or cosmetic and may not be misbranded, misused, or mislabeled as such. Not for human or veterinary use. Not for diagnostic or therapeutic use. Not for resale without authorization.