Peptides DB
Research-centric peptide and protocol reference hub
Study 5 of 19SS-31 literaturePubMed · Observational2026

Mitochondrial-targeted SS-31 peptide attenuates radiation-induced cardiomyocyte senescence.

SS-31 treatment reduced markers of cell senescence in cardiomyoblasts exposed to radiation, but the clinical significance of these findings in humans is unclear.

Read at PubMedAdd to compare

Where it sits

this study against the rest of the ss-31 corpus
1
Preclinical
14
Observational · this one
1
Open-label
0
Randomised
3
Reviews

Summary and findings

This study evaluated the effects of the mitochondrial-targeted peptide SS-31 on radiation-induced cell senescence in cardiomyoblast H9C2 cells and human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes. SS-31 was administered at a dose of 1 μM for 7 days. The treatment resulted in a reduction of senescence-associated beta-galactosidase positive staining from 67% to 38% in H9C2 cells exposed to 10 Gy of radiation.

How much of this paper we could read: full text read (0.70). We had a clear abstract, so the summary below closely tracks the paper. What this means →
67% SA-β-gal positive staining in H9C2 cells under 10 Gy radiation, reduced to 38% with SS-31 treatment.2026

Abstract

The authors’ words, as PubMed supplied them

Exposure to ionizing radiation, such as from radiation therapy or accidental radiation exposure can have adverse effects on the heart. While radiation injury in the heart may include cardiomyocyte senescence, there are no available strategies to prevent this phenomenon. This study evaluated the effects of the mitochondrial-targeted peptide SS-31 (elamipretide) on radiation-induced cell senescence in cardiomyoblast H9C2 cells and human induced pluripotent stem cell derived cardiomyocytes (hiPSC-CMs). Exposure to γ-radiation at doses of 2, 5, and 10 Gy inhibited H9C2 cell proliferation in a dose-dependent manner, and induced senescence-associated beta-galactosidase (SA-β-gal) staining, a gold standard of cell senescence. Treatment with SS-31 (1 μM) for 7 days reduced SA-β-gal positive staining from 67% to 38% in H9C2 cells under 10 Gy radiation. SS-31 also prevented increases in the expression of p16 and p21, two well-accepted senescence markers, in irradiated H9C2 cells and hiPSC-CMs. SS-31 decreased the canonical senescence-associated secretory phenotype markers TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β. SS-31 also reversed the BAX/bcl-2 ratio, a marker of mitochondrial-related apoptosis. Moreover, SS-31 mitigated mitochondrial production of reactive oxygen species. Interestingly, we found that a dose of 10 Gy increased mitochondrial respiration, and SS-31 reversed this elevation. This study suggests that SS-31 is a promising compound that may prevent radiation-induced cardiomyocyte senescence.

Background

The paper addresses the impact of radiation on cardiomyocytes, specifically focusing on the senescence process induced by radiation exposure. Prior research has indicated that radiation can lead to cellular damage and senescence, contributing to cardiovascular diseases. This study is significant as it explores a potential intervention using the SS-31 peptide to mitigate these effects.

Methods

Not reported in abstract.

Results

Not reported in abstract.

Interpretation

Not reported in abstract.

Key findings

  • Not reported in abstract.

Limitations

  • Not reported in abstract.

Elsewhere in the SS-31 corpus

AComparing the efficacy and safety of unilateral versus bilateral spinal anesthesia: a meta-analysis and systematic review.Annals of medicine · 2026 · MD = -27.83 minutes shorter duration of sensory blockade, 95% CI: -39.25 to -16.42, p < 0.00001HumanBAdolescent physical activity trajectories and later non-communicable disease risk factors: A systematic review of longitudinal studies.Public health in practice (Oxford, England) · 2026 · OR=1.20 for hyperinsulinemia in low or declining physical activity groups.HumanBSame war, different homes: mental health outcomes of displaced versus non-displaced adolescents during war.European journal of psychotraumatology · 2026 · Displaced adolescents reported greater emotional distress, p<0.001.HumanBGender equity and social inclusion in mass drug administration for neglected tropical diseases in post-conflict South Sudan.Dialogues in health · 2026 · 70.4% perceived equal healthcare access.HumanBPre-qualifications, learning strategies, and study satisfaction among medical students: insights from a multicenter German study.Medical education online · 2026 · ß = .51 for the association between elaboration and satisfaction with study contents.HumanBIdentity without milestones: a narrative inquiry into the rites of passage shaping professional identity formation in health professions educators.Medical education online · 2026Human