SLU-PP-332: A Novel ERR Agonist in In Vitro Research
The study of nuclear receptors, a class of proteins responsible for sensing steroid and thyroid hormones and other molecules, is a cornerstone of metabolic and endocrine research. Within this class, the Estrogen-Related Receptors (ERRs) have emerged as critical regulators of cellular energy homeostasis. To dissect their function, scientists rely on specific synthetic ligands. This article seeks to answer the question what is slu pp 332, a novel and powerful tool developed for this purpose.
This technical overview details its chemical nature, mechanism of action as an ERR agonist, and its applications in a laboratory setting, consistent with its "Research Use Only" (RUO) designation.
What is SLU-PP-332? A Chemical Profile
SLU-PP-332 is a non-steroidal, synthetic small molecule. It was designed and synthesized by its original slu pp 332 manufacturer, the laboratories of Saint Louis University (SLU), to act as a potent pan-agonist for the Estrogen-Related Receptor (ERR) family. This means the slu pp 332 peptide activates all three isoforms: ERRα, ERRβ, and ERRγ. Unlike endogenous hormones, its synthetic nature provides stability and high specificity for its target receptors, making it an ideal tool for controlled in vitro experiments.
- Chemical Name: 4-Hydroxy-N'-(naphthalen-2-ylmethylene)benzohydrazide
- Molecular Formula: C18H14N2O2
- Molecular Weight: 290.3 g/mol
- CAS Number: 303760-60-3
Mechanism of Action: Targeting the ERR Pathway In Vitro
Estrogen-Related Receptors (ERRs) are orphan nuclear receptors that function as crucial transcription factors. They play a key role in regulating the genes involved in cellular energy production and expenditure, including mitochondrial biogenesis, fatty acid oxidation, and the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle (Billon et al., 2012). As an ERR agonist, the slupp peptide works by binding to the ligand-binding domain of the ERR proteins within a cell. This action promotes the recruitment of coactivator proteins, such as PGC-1α, enhancing the receptor's ability to bind to DNA response elements and activate the transcription of its target genes.
In a laboratory setting, researchers can apply SLU-PP-332 to various cell cultures (e.g., C2C12 myotubes, HepG2 hepatocytes) to specifically activate ERR signaling. The resulting changes in gene and protein expression can then be measured using techniques like qPCR or Western blotting, providing direct insight into the function of this metabolic pathway. The precision of such experiments relies heavily on the quality of the compound; using a high-purity, independently verified agent is critical to ensure the observed results in your slu pp 332 research are due to ERR activation alone.
Further reading on SLU-PP-332
Because the compound is so often listed as a "peptide", a dedicated classification guide, is SLU-PP-332 a peptide?, sets out why it is a small-molecule ERR agonist and how it should be referred to in a methods section. Practical companion guides cover DMSO stock solutions and stability in solution, mitochondrial respiration assays for ERR agonists, sourcing and COA checks, how it differs from SLU-PP-915, and a neutral reading of the published studies.
Related research guides
Sources
- National Center for Biotechnology Information (2025). PubChem Compound Summary for CID 5338394, SLU-PP-332. Retrieved July 20, 2025 from https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/5338394.
- Billon, C., Narkar, V. A., & Burris, T. P. (2012). The Estrogen-Related Receptors in metabolism and cancer. Drug Discovery Today: Disease Mechanisms, 9(1-2), e43-e49.
- Saha, P. K., et al. (2014). The Estrogen-Related Receptor α is a Transcriptional Regulator of the Human Sirtuin 3 (SIRT3) Gene. Journal of Biological Chemistry, 289(5), 2673-2683.
- Kojetin, D. J., & Burris, T. P. (2013). Small Molecule Regulation of Nuclear Receptor Function. Accounts of Chemical Research, 46(12), 2946-2955.
