What is cardiolipin and why does it matter for SS-31?

Cardiolipin is a phospholipid concentrated in the inner mitochondrial membrane that helps organize respiratory supercomplexes. SS-31 research centers on its association with cardiolipin and the resulting effects on electron transport in model systems.

Does SS-31 require an intact membrane potential to enter mitochondria?

The literature describes accumulation at the inner mitochondrial membrane as independent of membrane potential, which is unusual for a cationic peptide.

What should be recorded when running SS-31 experiments?

Lot number, reconstitution date, diluent, concentration, and storage temperature — all of which affect reproducibility across a study.

SS-31 Research Overview

SS-31 is a four-residue peptide that reaches the inner mitochondrial membrane without depending on membrane potential. That property, and its association with cardiolipin, is what put it at the center of mitochondrial bioenergetics research.

Updated August 8, 2026

Structure and targeting

The Szeto–Schiller series is defined by an alternating aromatic–cationic residue pattern. Unlike most cationic peptides, uptake into mitochondria is described as not requiring an intact membrane potential, which means it can be studied in models where that potential is already compromised.

Cardiolipin association

Cardiolipin is a phospholipid largely confined to the inner mitochondrial membrane, where it helps organize respiratory chain supercomplexes. Research on SS-31 focuses on its interaction with cardiolipin and the downstream effects on electron transport efficiency and reactive oxygen species output in model systems.

Study design considerations

Include a vehicle-only arm — peptide diluents can affect membrane assays
Keep lot constant across arms to remove synthesis variance
Record reconstitution date and storage temperature with each result
Pair with NAD+ or MOTS-c arms where the question is broader bioenergetics

Research-use status

All compounds are sold strictly for laboratory research and development. They are not for human or veterinary use, and nothing on this page is medical advice.

Frequently asked questions

What is cardiolipin and why does it matter for SS-31?: Cardiolipin is a phospholipid concentrated in the inner mitochondrial membrane that helps organize respiratory supercomplexes. SS-31 research centers on its association with cardiolipin and the resulting effects on electron transport in model systems.
Does SS-31 require an intact membrane potential to enter mitochondria?: The literature describes accumulation at the inner mitochondrial membrane as independent of membrane potential, which is unusual for a cationic peptide.
What should be recorded when running SS-31 experiments?: Lot number, reconstitution date, diluent, concentration, and storage temperature — all of which affect reproducibility across a study.