What is SS-31 and what is its proposed role in mitochondrial membrane protection?
SS-31 (Szeto-Schiller peptide 31; elamipretide) is a tetrapeptide with the sequence D-Arg-2'6'-dimethylTyr-Lys-Phe-NH2 that selectively partitions into the inner mitochondrial membrane due to its alternating cationic and aromatic residues. Research indicates it binds cardiolipin — a lipid essential for cristae structure and the organization of respiratory chain supercomplexes — thereby reducing electron leak, superoxide generation, and cytochrome c release. Animal models of heart failure, ischemia-reperfusion injury, and age-related mitochondrial dysfunction have demonstrated improvements in ATP production and reductions in oxidative stress with SS-31 treatment.
Source: J Am Heart Assoc (2016) · PubMed
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Summarised from peer-reviewed literature for research reference. For laboratory research use only.