What Is SLU-PP-332?
SLU-PP-332 is a synthetic small-molecule compound developed as a pan-agonist of the estrogen-related receptors (ERRα, ERRβ, and ERRγ). Estrogen-related receptors are nuclear receptors that regulate transcriptional programmes central to mitochondrial biogenesis, oxidative metabolism, and cellular energy expenditure. Unlike classical estrogen receptors, ERRs do not bind estrogen and are instead regulated by co-activators and synthetic ligands such as SLU-PP-332. TrueCanPeptides supplies SLU-PP-332 5mg for laboratory research purposes.
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Mechanism of Action
SLU-PP-332 binds and activates all three ERR isoforms (ERRα, ERRβ, ERRγ), triggering transcriptional activation of ERR target genes. ERRα and ERRγ are recognised as master regulators of mitochondrial oxidative metabolism, controlling expression of genes involved in fatty acid oxidation, the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle, oxidative phosphorylation, and mitochondrial biogenesis through interactions with the PGC-1α/β co-activator system.
In preclinical rodent studies, SLU-PP-332 has been examined as a potential exercise mimetic — a compound that activates molecular pathways typically induced by endurance exercise. Research has investigated whether SLU-PP-332 can upregulate PGC-1α target gene networks, increase mitochondrial density markers, and alter oxidative fibre composition in skeletal muscle tissue in animal models.
Research Applications
SLU-PP-332 has been studied across the following preclinical research domains:
- Mitochondrial biogenesis: Investigated in skeletal muscle and other tissue models for upregulation of PGC-1α-responsive gene programmes and mitochondrial density markers.
- Oxidative metabolism: Studied for effects on fatty acid oxidation gene expression and TCA cycle capacity in cellular and rodent models.
- Exercise mimetic research: Examined in rodent exercise models for whether ERR pan-agonism recapitulates molecular signatures associated with endurance training adaptations.
- ERR receptor biology: Used as a tool compound to characterise ERRα/β/γ receptor function and ligand-dependent transcriptional regulation.
- Metabolic disease models: Investigated in preclinical models of metabolic dysfunction where oxidative capacity has been characterised.
All listed applications are investigational. Explore the TrueCanPeptides Research Hub →
Storage & Handling
SLU-PP-332 should be stored as a solid powder at −20°C, protected from moisture and light. Dissolve in DMSO for most research applications, following validated solubility protocols for the specific assay system. Prepare working solutions fresh where practical; aliquot and store at −80°C for extended periods. Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles.
Full storage guidance is in the TrueCanPeptides Storage Guide. See quality and purity standards.
Related Research
Researchers investigating mitochondrial biology and metabolic pathways may also find these guides useful:
- SS-31 (Elamipretide) — mitochondria-targeting tetrapeptide studied in cardiolipin and oxidative stress research
- 5-Amino-1MQ — NNMT inhibitor studied in NAD+ and cellular energy pathway research
- AOD9604 — hGH fragment studied in lipolytic pathway and metabolic research
Disclaimer: This content is intended for educational and research purposes only. The compounds discussed on this page are not approved for human therapeutic use by Health Canada or any other regulatory authority. They are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or medical condition. TrueCanPeptides supplies research compounds strictly for in vitro and laboratory research use. All information presented is derived from published preclinical and early-phase research literature and does not constitute medical advice. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before making any health-related decisions.
ERRα and Exercise Biology: The Research Context
SLU-PP-332 is a synthetic small molecule agonist of ERRα (estrogen-related receptor alpha), a nuclear receptor involved in mitochondrial biogenesis, oxidative metabolism, and aerobic energy production. It is not a peptide in the traditional sense (it is a small organic molecule), but it belongs to the class of research compounds studied for their ability to activate exercise-mimicking metabolic pathways at the cellular level.
ERRα is classified as an “orphan nuclear receptor” — a nuclear receptor for which no endogenous ligand has been clearly established. Despite this, ERRα is constitutively active and regulates transcription of genes encoding mitochondrial enzymes including those involved in fatty acid oxidation (FAO), oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS), and the TCA cycle. Physical exercise strongly upregulates ERRα activity in skeletal muscle, which is part of the basis for its research interest as an exercise biology tool.
Mechanism of Action
SLU-PP-332 was identified by researchers at Washington University in St. Louis (Bhatt lab) and published in the Journal of Medicinal Chemistry (2023). It acts as an ERRα agonist — binding to the ERRα ligand-binding domain and stabilizing the receptor in its active conformation, enhancing its transcriptional activity on target genes.
In cell and animal models, SLU-PP-332 treatment has been associated with:
- Increased mitochondrial biogenesis markers (PGC-1α co-activation)
- Upregulation of fatty acid oxidation gene programs in skeletal muscle
- Improved aerobic capacity markers in rodent models
- Reduced cardiac fibrosis markers in some heart failure models
This mechanistic profile has led to SLU-PP-332 being described in research literature as an “exercise mimetic” — a compound that activates some of the same cellular pathways as aerobic exercise at the molecular level. This is an active and early-stage research area; human data does not exist.
Chemistry
- Type: Small molecule ERRα agonist (not a peptide)
- Molecular weight: ~435 Da
- CAS: 2365406-86-4
- Solubility: DMSO; limited aqueous solubility — prepare stock in DMSO, dilute to working concentration in aqueous buffer
- Format: Lyophilized powder
Storage and Handling
- Store at −20°C, desiccated and protected from light
- Prepare stock solutions in DMSO; keep DMSO concentration below 0.1% in cell assays to avoid cytotoxicity
- Stable in DMSO stock at −20°C for 12+ months when sealed properly
SLU-PP-332 is supplied for qualified in vitro laboratory research purposes only. Not for human or animal administration. Not evaluated or approved by Health Canada.
Available: SLU-PP-332 from TrueCanPeptides | 5-Amino-1MQ guide | Metabolic research compounds