Metabolic
Melanotan - 2
Melanotan-2 is a synthetic analog of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone studied for its interaction with melanocortin receptor subtypes in laboratory settings. This compound is used in research investigating melanocortin signaling pathways and receptor binding characteristics. Supplied at ≥99% purity with LC-MS and HPLC verification. For laboratory research use only; not intended for human or animal consumption.
Mechanism of Action
Melanotan-2 is characterized in the literature as a non-selective agonist across the melanocortin receptor family (MC1R, MC3R, MC4R, MC5R), a class of G-protein-coupled receptors. At the melanocortin-1 receptor (MC1R) expressed on melanocytes, research indicates that agonist binding activates adenylyl cyclase and elevates intracellular cAMP, engaging protein kinase A and CREB-dependent upregulation of microphthalmia-associated transcription factor (MITF) and downstream melanogenic enzymes such as tyrosinase — the canonical signaling axis studied in melanogenesis models. Its cyclic lactam constraint and norleucine-for-methionine substitution were designed to increase conformational stability and resistance to oxidative degradation compared with the parent α-MSH sequence.
Beyond MC1R, research indicates that Melanotan-2 activates central melanocortin receptors, notably MC4R and MC3R, which are implicated in preclinical models of energy balance and appetite regulation. In rodent studies, central administration of the peptide has been used to probe melanocortin signaling within discrete brain regions. These observations describe receptor-level pharmacology and signal transduction only; they are presented as mechanistic research context and do not constitute evidence of any therapeutic, cosmetic, or human-use benefit.
Research Applications
- → Characterized in vitro as a non-selective agonist across MC1R, MC3R, MC4R, and MC5R melanocortin receptors.
- → MC1R agonism drives cAMP/PKA-CREB signaling and MITF-mediated tyrosinase expression in melanocyte melanogenesis models.
- → Cyclic lactam bridge (Asp-Lys) and Nle-for-Met substitution engineered to increase conformational rigidity and metabolic stability versus native α-MSH.
- → Used as a reference melanocortin agonist to probe central MC4R/MC3R pathways in rodent energy-balance models.
- → Region-specific central microinjection studies (e.g., nucleus accumbens) employ the peptide to dissect melanocortin control of feeding-related behavior in preclinical models.
Analytical Validation
Melanotan - 2 is verified via LC-MS and HPLC analysis. Each lot is tested for identity, purity (≥99% target), and endotoxin levels. Full certificate of analysis is available upon request.
