What Is SS-31? Elamipretide, Mitochondrial Research and Analytical Testing
SS-31 is a synthetic tetrapeptide studied in mitochondrial research. It is also known as elamipretide and has appeared in the scientific literature under developmental names including MTP-131. Those names refer to the same core research compound, but a laboratory record should still state the exact form supplied and tested.
This article explains the research context and analytical checks without turning an experimental literature base into a medical claim.
What is SS-31?
SS-31 belongs to the Szeto–Schiller family of aromatic-cationic peptides. It is commonly described by the sequence D-Arg–dimethylTyr–Lys–Phe-NH₂. The D-amino-acid residue, modified tyrosine and C-terminal amide are important parts of its identity.
Because SS-31 is only four residues long, broad labels such as “mitochondrial peptide” are not sufficient for verification. Exact sequence, chemical modifications and terminal form matter.
Why is SS-31 studied in mitochondrial research?
Published work has examined interactions between SS-31 and cardiolipin, a phospholipid associated with the inner mitochondrial membrane. Cardiolipin helps organise membrane proteins involved in cellular energy processes. Experimental studies have investigated whether SS-31’s association with this environment can influence membrane organisation and mitochondrial function under specific models.
Mechanistic findings from isolated systems, cells or animal models do not automatically establish a clinical outcome. Study type, comparator, concentration, duration and endpoint should always be recorded when interpreting the evidence.
SS-31, elamipretide and MTP-131
| Name | How it is used in the literature |
|---|---|
| SS-31 | Common research name from the Szeto–Schiller peptide series |
| Elamipretide | Non-proprietary name widely used in development literature |
| MTP-131 | Development code found in some publications |
Researchers searching databases should use all three terms, while still checking the exact material described in each paper.
How should an SS-31 batch be checked?
HPLC can report chromatographic purity under a defined method, while mass spectrometry can support identity by comparing observed data with the expected molecular species. A high purity figure does not on its own prove that the material is SS-31.
Useful batch documentation should connect the named material, batch identifier and analytical result. It should also state the method, date and laboratory. See our guides to peptide testing and verification and reading a peptide certificate of analysis.
Evidence boundaries
SS-31 has been studied across preclinical and clinical-development settings, but results are specific to the study design and endpoint. An article should not collapse cellular, animal and human findings into one claim. The careful description is that SS-31 remains an active subject of mitochondrial and cardiolipin-focused research.
Related research
SS-31 is not the same compound as MOTS-c. Both appear in mitochondrial research searches, but their origin, sequence and experimental questions differ. Read our MOTS-c research guide for that distinction.
ZENTRA’s SS-31 research listing should be assessed using the batch-specific documentation available for the supplied material.
Frequently asked questions
Is SS-31 the same as elamipretide?
Elamipretide is the name commonly used for the research compound also known as SS-31; MTP-131 appears as another developmental name.
Is SS-31 the same as MOTS-c?
No. They are distinct peptides with different sequences and research histories.
Does HPLC purity confirm SS-31 identity?
No. HPLC purity and mass-spectrometric identity are complementary analytical questions.
Further reading
- First-in-class cardiolipin-protective compound as a therapeutic agent
- PubMed: elamipretide and SS-31 literature search
Research-use notice: This article is educational laboratory information only. ZENTRA research compounds are not for human or veterinary use.
