Mitochondria-associated peptides: SS-31 and MOTS-c compared

SS-31 (elamipretide)

• Sequence: D-Arg-Dmt-Lys-Phe-NH2 (Dmt = 2',6'-dimethyltyrosine).
• PubChem: C32H49N9O5, 639.8 g/mol, monoisotopic 639.386 Da.
• Origin: the Szeto–Schiller (SS) peptide series, designed with alternating aromatic and basic residues and a net 3+ charge.

Source: PubChem CID 11764719: Elamipretide (SS-31)

How SS-31 is studied

Biophysical work shows SS-31 binds lipid bilayers, particularly those containing cardiolipin, and alters membrane surface electrostatics; reviews describe it as a cardiolipin-targeted compound in mitochondrial bioenergetics research.

Source: SS-31 binds lipid bilayers and modulates surface electrostatics, J Biol Chem 2020 (PubMed 32273339); First-in-class cardiolipin-protective compound, Br J Pharmacol 2014 (PubMed 24117165)

MOTS-c

• Sequence: Met-Arg-Trp-Gln-Glu-Met-Gly-Tyr-Ile-Phe-Tyr-Pro-Arg-Lys-Leu-Arg (MRWQEMGYIFYPRKLR), 16 residues.
• PubChem: C101H152N28O22S2, 2174.6 g/mol.
• Origin: a short open reading frame in the mitochondrial 12S rRNA gene, reported in 2015.

Source: PubChem CID 146675088: MOTS-c; The mitochondrial-derived peptide MOTS-c, Cell Metab 2015 (PubMed 25738459); Mitochondrial-derived peptides in energy metabolism, Am J Physiol Endocrinol Metab 2020 (PubMed 32776825)

Analytical contrasts

• SS-31 is tiny and very basic; expect a high counter-ion load and early elution on reversed-phase HPLC.
• MOTS-c contains two methionines and a tryptophan, so watch for +16 Da oxidation products.
• SS-31's D-arginine and Dmt mean its mass is distinct from any natural tetrapeptide.

At Sable

Sable lists these compounds as lyophilised research materials. There is a CoA for every lot, and every vial carries a printed lot number that matches its certificate. A CoA is emailed within 2 hours of a request.

Frequently asked questions