Melanotan-II

Melanotan II

Synonym: MT-II, Melanotan-2

CAS Number: 121062-08-6

Molecular Formula: C₅₀H₆₉N₁₅O₉

Molecular Weight: 1024.2 g/mol

Structure: Synthetic cyclic heptapeptide analog of α-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH)

Overview

Melanotan II (MT-II) is a synthetic peptide derived from alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH), an endogenous neuropeptide involved in melanocortin signaling. Through structural modification and cyclization, Melanotan II exhibits enhanced stability and receptor affinity compared to native α-MSH.

The peptide is widely utilized in research involving melanocortin receptor biology, pigmentation pathways, neuroendocrine signaling, and energy regulation mechanisms.

Mechanism of Action

Melanotan II functions as a non-selective melanocortin receptor agonist, interacting with multiple melanocortin receptor subtypes.

• Melanocortin Receptor Activation
  • Binds to MC1R, MC3R, MC4R, and MC5R receptors
  • Modulates signaling pathways associated with pigmentation and neuroendocrine regulation
• Pigmentation Signaling
  • Stimulates melanocyte activity through MC1R-mediated pathways
  • Influences melanin synthesis and distribution processes
• Neuroendocrine Activity
  • Interacts with central melanocortin signaling networks
  • Influences pathways associated with appetite regulation and energy balance
• Cellular Signaling
  • Activates cyclic AMP (cAMP)-dependent signaling cascades
  • Modulates downstream transcriptional responses in melanocortin-responsive tissues

The peptide’s broad receptor activity makes it a valuable tool for studying melanocortin system function.

Pharmacokinetic Characteristics

• Enhanced stability relative to native α-MSH
• Cyclic peptide structure improves resistance to enzymatic degradation
• High affinity for multiple melanocortin receptor subtypes
• Metabolized through normal peptide degradation pathways

Structural Characteristics

Melanotan II is a cyclic heptapeptide engineered from α-MSH-derived sequences.

Key features include:

• Cyclized structure for improved stability
• Increased receptor affinity compared to endogenous α-MSH
• Broad melanocortin receptor activity
• Enhanced resistance to proteolytic degradation

Research Applications

Melanotan II is commonly studied in research involving:

• Melanocortin receptor biology
• Pigmentation and melanin synthesis pathways
• Neuroendocrine signaling
• Appetite and energy regulation
• Cellular receptor signaling mechanisms
• Peptide-receptor interaction studies

It is frequently utilized in investigations examining the physiological functions of the melanocortin system.

Handling & Stability

• Typically supplied as a lyophilized powder
• Requires reconstitution with a suitable sterile solvent prior to use
• Store at -20°C or below for long-term stability
• Protect from excessive heat, moisture, and prolonged light exposure
• Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles

Note

This material is intended for laboratory research use only and is not approved for human or veterinary applications.