Preclinical (mice + porcine model) · PMID 41964318
Mitochondria-Targeted Liposomes Boost Thermogenesis for Adipose Tissue Regulation — VialBase Research
Developed SS-31-conjugated cationic liposomes (AE@PEP-Lip) for adipose mitochondrial targeting
Last updated · 2026 · Tian S, Xie H, Zhong Q, Sun C, Yuan P, Xu F, Lu L, Cao J, Li M, Li H · Advanced Healthcare Materials
Key findings
- Developed SS-31-conjugated cationic liposomes (AE@PEP-Lip) for adipose mitochondrial targeting
- SS-31 peptide scavenges mROS and synergizes with empagliflozin to inhibit mitochondrial fragmentation
- Enhanced mitochondrial respiration and thermogenic capacity in white adipose tissue
- Allicin loaded in liposomes activates AMPK and upregulates uncoupling proteins
- Improved mitochondrial morphology and induced browning in obese mice
- Demonstrated clinical potential in porcine model for localized fat reduction
PMID 41964318 — SS-31 Liposomes for Thermogenesis
Compound: SS-31 Citation: Tian S et al. Adv Healthc Mater. 2026 Apr 11:e05925. doi:10.1002/adhm.202505925
Summary
Developed mitochondria-targeted cationic liposomes (AE@PEP-Lip) incorporating SS-31 peptide for adipose tissue regulation. The liposomes accumulate in white adipose tissue via positively charged surface, then localize to mitochondria via SS-31’s targeting properties.
Key Findings
- SS-31 efficiently scavenges mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (mROS)
- Synergy between SS-31 and empagliflozin inhibits mitochondrial fragmentation
- Enhanced mitochondrial respiration and thermogenic capacity
- Allicin component activates AMPK signaling and upregulates uncoupling proteins (UCP1)
- In obese mice: improved mitochondrial morphology, induced browning characteristics
- Porcine model demonstrated clinical translation potential for localized fat deposition
Significance
Novel drug delivery approach leveraging SS-31’s mitochondrial targeting for a metabolic/obesity application beyond the traditional cardiovascular focus. Suggests SS-31 could have therapeutic value in metabolic syndrome.
See Also
- Parent compound: SS-31