SS-31

SS-31 (D-Arg-dimethylTyr-Lys-Phe-NH2), also known as Elamipretide, is a small, mitochondria-targeted tetrapeptide that specifically binds to cardiolipin, an anionic phospholipid located on the inner mitochondrial membrane. By anchoring itself to cardiolipin, SS-31 prevents the peroxidation of this critical lipid and stabilizes the electron transport chain (ETC) supercomplexes, thereby preventing cytochrome c release and subsequent apoptotic signaling. Its mechanism is distinctly antioxidant but does not act as a free radical scavenger; rather, it protects the mitochondrial architecture under oxidative stress. Research heavily utilizes SS-31 for studying ischemia-reperfusion injury, neurodegenerative diseases (such as Friedreich’s ataxia and Alzheimer’s), and sarcopenia. It is one of the few peptides capable of crossing the blood-brain barrier, making it highly valuable for central nervous system (CNS) mitochondrial research.