Melanotan 2 (MT-2)

Product research information

Melanotan 2 (MT-2) is a synthetic analogue of the naturally occurring alpha-Melanocyte Stimulating Hormone (α-MSH) with the molecular formula C₅₀H₆₉N₁₅O₉. Structurally, it is an octapeptide characterized by a lactam bridge that creates a cyclic configuration. This cyclic structure is designed to increase metabolic stability and prolong the biological half-life of the peptide against enzymatic degradation in laboratory environments compared to the linear endogenous hormone.

Scientific studies focus heavily on the interaction between MT-2 and the melanocortin 1 receptor (MC1R). Upon activation of MC1R in cellular models, the peptide stimulates adenylyl cyclase, leading to an increase in intracellular cAMP. This signaling cascade upregulates the transcription factor MITF, which promotes the expression of tyrosinase and the subsequent synthesis of melanin (melanogenesis) within melanocyte cultures.

Beyond pigmentation, MT-2 is investigated for its high binding affinity to central melanocortin receptors, specifically MC3R and MC4R. In murine models, activation of these neural pathways is utilized to study the central regulation of energy homeostasis, specifically assessing reductions in food intake and changes in basal energy expenditure. Additionally, the peptide’s interaction with the MC4R pathway is frequently examined in research regarding erectile function and the central nervous system mechanisms governing arousal.

References

1. Dorr, R. T., et al. (1996). “Evaluation of melanotan-II, a superpotent cyclic melanotropic peptide in a pilot phase-I clinical study.” Life Sciences, 58(20), 1777-1784.
2. Hadley, M. E., & Dorr, R. T. (2006). “Melanocortin peptide therapeutics: historical milestones, clinical studies and commercialization.” Peptides, 27(4), 921-930.
3. Wessells, H., et al. (2000). “Melanocortin receptor subtypes involved in penile erection.” Journal of Endocrinology, 167(1), 17-24.