SLU-PP-332
Small molecule ERRγ (estrogen-related receptor gamma) agonist developed at Saint Louis University — functions as an "exercise mimetic" by activating exercise-associated gene programs without physical activity.
🔬 Mechanism of Action
SLU-PP-332 is a small molecule agonist of estrogen-related receptor gamma (ERRγ) — one of three ERR nuclear receptors that regulate mitochondrial biogenesis and energy metabolism. ERRγ is highly expressed in oxidative tissues: heart, brain, skeletal muscle, and brown adipose tissue.
When SLU-PP-332 activates ERRγ, it triggers the same gene expression programs that physical exercise activates — including PGC-1α, mitochondrial complex assembly factors, fatty acid oxidation enzymes, and fiber-type switching genes. In mice (PNAS, 2023), treatment without exercise produced remarkable results: 70% increase in running endurance, 45% increase in running distance, and a significant shift toward type I (slow-twitch, fatigue-resistant) muscle fibers.
This "exercise mimetic" effect extends beyond muscle: ERRγ activation also increased metabolic rate, improved glucose disposal, and reduced exercise-induced muscle damage markers.
Source: PMID: 37279079
📜Background & History
SLU-PP-332 was developed at Saint Louis University (hence "SLU") by Thomas Burris and colleagues. Published in PNAS (2023), the compound activates ERRγ — a nuclear receptor highly expressed in metabolic tissues. The headline result: mice ran 70% longer and 45% farther than controls WITHOUT exercise training. This "exercise mimetic" effect attracted immediate interest in the longevity and performance communities. Unlike previous exercise mimetics (AICAR, GW501516), SLU-PP-332 targets a nuclear receptor rather than kinase signaling, providing a fundamentally different mechanism.
🎯 Research Use Cases
- ✓Metabolic enhancement and mitochondrial biogenesis
- ✓Research model for exercise-independent fitness adaptation
- ✓Endurance performance augmentation
- ✓Sarcopenia prevention in immobilized or elderly individuals
💉 Dosing Protocol
| Typical Dose | 5-25 mg/day (oral) |
| Frequency | 1× daily |
| Half-Life | ~4-8 hours (estimated) |
⚠️Safety & Considerations
Pre-clinical compound — no human safety data. Oral administration (not a peptide — small molecule). Theoretical concerns: ERR family involvement in hormone-sensitive cancer biology. Monitor liver enzymes. Not available through standard peptide suppliers — research chemical sources only.
⚡Interactions & Contraindications
Pre-clinical compound — no established human interactions. Small molecule, not a peptide (oral bioavailability). Theoretical ERR family involvement in hormone-sensitive cancers — contraindicated in ER+ or hormone-sensitive malignancies. Monitor liver enzymes.
🔗Synergies & Common Stacks
SLU-PP-332 (ERRγ → mitochondrial gene programs) + MOTS-c (AMPK → metabolic flexibility) target overlapping metabolic pathways through different mechanisms — potentially additive mitochondrial biogenesis.
SLU-PP-332 for exercise-mimetic metabolic enhancement + Epitalon for telomerase activation — a comprehensive longevity stack targeting cellular energy and cellular aging simultaneously.