Melanotan 2: Scientific Profile
Publicado el · Actualizado el
Melanotan II (MT-II), CAS 121062-08-6: cyclic heptapeptide, a non-selective analogue of α-MSH, agonist of the melanocortin receptors MC1R, MC3R, MC4R and MC5R. Reagent for research.
Melanotan 2 (also written Melanotan II or MT-II; English name Melanotan 2; CAS 121062-08-6) is a cyclic synthetic analog of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH). Its cyclic structure, smaller and more stable than that of the natural peptide, gives it resistance to degradation and prolonged action in assays, which has made it a reference tool for the study of the melanocortin system.
Melanotan 2's mechanism of action is based on NON-selective agonism of the melanocortin receptors. Unlike more selective analogs, it acts on several subtypes —MC1R, MC3R, MC4R, and MC5R—, which explains the broad range of processes it allows to study. Activation of MC1R in melanocytes is associated in models with the stimulation of melanogenesis (melanin synthesis), while activation of MC4R in the central nervous system has been linked to the regulation of appetite and sexual function in experimental models.
In research, Melanotan 2 is used as a tool for studying melanocortin receptor signaling, melanocyte biology and melanogenesis, as well as the central melanocortin circuits involved in energy balance and behavior.
Melanotan 2 is supplied as a lyophilized powder for reconstitution. Frozen storage protected from light is recommended, along with reconstitution using the sterile diluent indicated in the protocol. This product is offered exclusively as a research reagent (research use only): it is not intended for the diagnosis, prevention or treatment of any disease, nor for human or veterinary consumption.
Mechanism of action
MT-II activates MC1R receptors in melanocytes, stimulating eumelanin synthesis. It also activates MC3R/MC4R, causing side effects on libido.
Mechanism summary
Non-selective cyclic analog of α-MSH that acts as an agonist of the melanocortin receptors MC1R, MC3R, MC4R, and MC5R. Activation of MC1R induces melanogenesis in melanocytes; MC3R and MC4R centrally modulate appetite and sexual function.
Estudios Clínicos (9)
- Melanotan II and sexual function (Wessells H, et al. · International Journal of Impotence Research · 2000) — Study on the effects of Melanotan II on sexual function and pigmentation. PMID 11035391.
- Evaluation of melanotan-II, a superpotent cyclic melanotropic peptide in a pilot phase-I clinical study. (Dorr RT, et al. · Life Sci · 1996) PMID 8637402.
- Melanotan II: a possible cause of renal infarction: review of the literature and case report. (Peters B, et al. · CEN Case Rep · 2020) PMID 31953620.
- Effect of an alpha-melanocyte stimulating hormone analog on penile erection and sexual desire in men with organic erectile dysfunction. (Wessells H, et al. · Urology · 2000) PMID 11018622.
- Melanotan II injection resulting in systemic toxicity and rhabdomyolysis. (Nelson ME, et al. · Clin Toxicol (Phila) · 2012) PMID 23121206.
- Melanotan II User Experience: A Qualitative Study of Online Discussion Forums. (Gilhooley E, et al. · Dermatology · 2021) PMID 34464955.
- Melanotan II causes hypothermia in mice by activation of mast cells and stimulation of histamine 1 receptors. (Jain S, et al. · Am J Physiol Endocrinol Metab · 2018) PMID 29812984.
- Synthetic melanotropic peptide initiates erections in men with psychogenic erectile dysfunction: double-blind, placebo controlled crossover study (Wessells, et al. · Journal of Urology · 1998) PMID 9679884.
- Activation of central melanocortin receptors by MT-II increases cavernosal pressure in rabbits by the neuronal release of NO (Vemulapalli, et al. · British Journal of Pharmacology · 2001) PMID 11739247.
Warnings
Melanotan 2 is a research-use-only (RUO) compound; the following warnings and handling considerations apply to its laboratory use:
- Monitor moles
- It is not a sunscreen
- Melanoma or history of
- Pregnancy/lactation
- Many atypical moles
Technical data
- CAS
- 121062-08-6
- Molecular formula
- C50H69N15O9
- Molecular weight
- 1024.2 Da
- Compound type
- peptide
- Storage
- -20 °C liofilizado; 2-8 °C reconstituido
- Shelf life (lyophilized)
- 24 months
- Shelf life (reconstituted)
- 30 days refrigerated
- Light-sensitive
- Sí
Available for research
Melanotan 2 is available as a research reagent (RUO) with HPLC-verified purity and COA per batch:
Frequently asked questions about Melanotan 2
What is Melanotan 2?
Melanotan II (MT-II), CAS 121062-08-6: cyclic heptapeptide, a non-selective analogue of α-MSH, agonist of the melanocortin receptors MC1R, MC3R, MC4R and MC5R. Reagent for research.
What is the mechanism of action of Melanotan 2?
Non-selective cyclic analog of α-MSH that acts as an agonist of the melanocortin receptors MC1R, MC3R, MC4R, and MC5R. Activation of MC1R induces melanogenesis in melanocytes; MC3R and MC4R centrally modulate appetite and sexual function.
What is Melanotan 2 researched for?
In preclinical research, Melanotan 2 is studied mainly in: MC1R agonism (melanogenesis); MC3R/MC4R agonism; Melanocyte stimulation. Material for scientific research use only.
What are the chemical properties of Melanotan 2?
Molecular formula C50H69N15O9; molecular weight 1024.2 Da; CAS number 121062-08-6.
How is Melanotan 2 stored?
Condiciones de conservación: -20 °C liofilizado; 2-8 °C reconstituido; estabilidad liofilizado: 24 meses; una vez reconstituido: 30 días refrigerado; protéjase de la luz.
What routes of administration are studied for Melanotan 2?
In the research models the following are described: Subcutaneous. Use is exclusively for scientific research.