Melanotan II
Cyclic heptapeptide α-MSH analog (MT-II / MT-2), a non-selective MC1-5R agonist for in vitro melanocortin receptor research.
Independently Tested. Verifiably Pure.
Every batch of Melanotan II is sent to an accredited independent laboratory before it ships. Here is exactly what we screen for - and the certificate that proves it.
What We Test Every Batch For
How Melanotan II Works
Melanocortin receptor signaling studied across pigmentation, energy balance, and CNS preclinical models
Non-Selective Melanocortin Receptor Agonism
MT-II is a non-selective agonist of all five melanocortin receptors (MC1R, MC2R, MC3R, MC4R, MC5R). As a superpotent cyclic analog of α-MSH(4-10), it activates downstream Gαs/cAMP signaling at MC1R (melanocytes) and MC3R/MC4R (hypothalamus) in preclinical models (Dorr et al. 1996).
- Binds MC1R, MC3R, MC4R, MC5R with nanomolar affinity
- Activates Gαs-coupled adenylyl cyclase / cAMP pathway
- Greater potency and stability than native α-MSH
Lactam-Bridge Cyclization & Receptor Affinity
A side-chain-to-side-chain lactam bridge between Asp&sup5; and Lys¹° constrains the [Nle&sup4;, D-Phe&sup7;]-α-MSH(4-10) backbone into a beta-turn conformation. This rigidification and the D-Phe&sup7; substitution dramatically increase enzymatic stability and receptor binding affinity (Al-Obeidi, Hadley, Hruby et al. 1989).
- Heptapeptide cyclized Asp&sup5;-Lys¹° via amide bond
- D-Phe&sup7; resists peptidase cleavage
- Originally developed at University of Arizona
Melanogenesis & Pigment Cell Biology Research
MT-II activation of MC1R on melanocytes drives cAMP-dependent transcription of microphthalmia-associated transcription factor (MITF) and downstream tyrosinase, TRP-1, and TRP-2 expression, increasing eumelanin synthesis in murine B16 and human MNT-1 melanoma cell models (Abdel-Malek et al.).
- cAMP / PKA / CREB / MITF signaling cascade
- Upregulates tyrosinase & eumelanin biosynthesis
- Standard tool in pigment cell biology research
What Research Has Shown
Key findings from melanocortin receptor literature
Research Applications
Primary areas of MT-II investigation
Melanocortin Receptor Pharmacology
MT-II is a benchmark non-selective agonist used to characterize MC1R-MC5R signaling, cAMP accumulation assays, and structure-activity relationships of subtype-selective ligands derived from the α-MSH(4-10) pharmacophore.
Dorr et al. 1996 ↗Pigmentation Cell Biology (B16 / MNT-1)
In vitro studies in murine B16 and human MNT-1 melanoma cell lines use MT-II to drive cAMP-dependent MITF transcription, tyrosinase induction, and eumelanin biosynthesis as a model of MC1R-driven melanogenesis.
Abdel-Malek et al. 2000 ↗Energy Balance Preclinical Research (MC4R)
Central administration of MT-II in rodent models reduces food intake and increases energy expenditure via hypothalamic MC4R activation, establishing the melanocortin system as a core regulator of body weight homeostasis.
Fan et al. 1997 ↗CNS / Behavioral Preclinical Models
MT-II's CNS effects via MC4R underpin preclinical work on erectogenic responses (precursor research to bremelanotide / PT-141) and other neurobehavioral readouts in melanocortin receptor research models.
Wessells et al. 2000 ↗Compound Information
Technical specifications and analytical profile
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Melanotan II research parameters
Sources & References
Peer-reviewed publications and preclinical studies