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Research Comparison

IGF-1 vs SS-31

IGF-1 and SS-31 are studied in overlapping research areas, which is why they are frequently compared. This is a neutral side-by-side reference drawn from published preclinical literature and laboratory handling data.

Shared research areas:Metabolic
Class70-residue single-chain protein (native IGF-1), three disulfide bondsMitochondria-targeting aromatic-cationic tetrapeptide (cardiolipin-binding)
Molecular weight7648.7 g/mol639.81 g/mol
CAS numberNot assigned / not specifiedNot assigned / not specified
Purity spec≥99%≥99%
Research areasHormonal & Endocrine, Musculoskeletal, MetabolicCellular Longevity, Metabolic
Primary diluentDilute acetic acid for initial dissolutionBacteriostatic water (0.9% benzyl alcohol)
Working windowShort — days rather than weeks — and shorter still with repeated handling.Commonly worked with for 3-4 weeks at 2-8 °C.
Lead degradation routeMisfolding and irreversible denaturation — the dominant failure mode.Adsorptive loss to plasticware from the cationic charge — the main practical concern.
Freeze–thawPoorly tolerant. Repeated freeze-thaw denatures the folded structure permanently, so aliquot for single use rather than relying on any freeze tolerance.Tolerant; the unnatural residues resist degradation. Aliquot as standard practice.
Light sensitivityNo specific light requirement beyond normal practice.No specific light requirement beyond normal practice.

How they actually differ

Comparing the two: IGF-1 is 70-residue single-chain protein (native igf-1), three disulfide bonds, while SS-31 is mitochondria-targeting aromatic-cationic tetrapeptide (cardiolipin-binding) — different molecular classes with different handling consequences; they call for different primary diluents (dilute acetic acid for initial dissolution versus bacteriostatic water (0.9% benzyl alcohol)); their leading degradation routes differ (misfolding and irreversible denaturation for IGF-1, adsorptive loss to plasticware from the cationic charge for SS-31), so the storage precautions that matter are not the same; their practical working windows differ once reconstituted. The sections below set out each in full.

IGF-1 — origin

IGF-1 is the native insulin-like growth factor — a folded 70-amino-acid protein stabilised by three internal disulfide bonds. It is the downstream messenger produced after growth hormone acts, and it is handled as a protein rather than a short peptide. This is the native sequence, distinct from the long-acting LR3 analogue.

SS-31 — origin

SS-31 (Elamipretide) is a Szeto-Schiller aromatic-cationic tetrapeptide (D-Arg-2',6'-dimethyltyrosine-Lys-Phe-NH2) that concentrates in the inner mitochondrial membrane and binds cardiolipin, the lipid unique to that membrane. Its structure is the reason it is studied specifically at the mitochondrion rather than as a general antioxidant.

IGF-1 research themes

IGF-1 receptor signalling

Studied as the native ligand for the IGF-1 receptor and its downstream proliferation and survival pathways.

Satellite cell activation

Examined in muscle research models for its role in satellite-cell behaviour and anabolic signalling.

Native versus analogue

Compared with IGF-1 LR3, whose reduced binding-protein affinity gives a longer active window — a contrast studied directly in the literature.

SS-31 research themes

Cardiolipin binding

Studied for selective association with cardiolipin in the inner mitochondrial membrane, the basis of its mitochondrial targeting.

Electron transport efficiency

Examined for effects on mitochondrial energy production in research models of mitochondrial dysfunction.

Oxidative stress

Investigated around reactive-oxygen-species handling at the mitochondrion.

IGF-1 handling

  • Dissolve first in dilute acetic acid, then dilute into the working buffer — never expect plain water to take it up fully.
  • Use a carrier protein and low-bind labware to prevent adsorptive loss.
  • Aliquot for single use; do not re-freeze reconstituted protein.

SS-31 handling

  • Reach room temperature before opening.
  • Use low-bind labware and buffers at low working concentrations to limit adsorption of the cationic peptide.
  • Aliquot and refrigerate.

Both third-party tested

Every Popular Peptides batch of IGF-1 and SS-31 is independently tested by HPLC and LC-MS with a published Certificate of Analysis. Enter a lot number to pull the COA for a specific vial.

Verify a batchPublished COAsHow we test

IGF-1 reference

Full IGF-1 reference IGF-1 storage IGF-1 reconstitution IGF-1 calculatorIGF-1 product details

SS-31 reference

Full SS-31 reference SS-31 storage SS-31 reconstitution SS-31 calculatorSS-31 product details

Related comparisons

5-Amino-1MQ vs IGF-15-Amino-1MQ vs SS-31CJC-1295 (No DAC) vs IGF-1CJC-1295 (No DAC) vs SS-31CJC-1295 + Ipamorelin vs IGF-1CJC-1295 + Ipamorelin vs SS-31DSIP vs SS-31Epitalon vs SS-31

IGF-1 and SS-31 are supplied strictly as research chemicals for in-vitro laboratory and research use only. They are not intended for human or animal consumption, diagnostic, or therapeutic use. This comparison summarizes published preclinical literature and laboratory handling data; it is not medical advice, not a claim of efficacy, and not usage guidance.