Melanotan 1 – MT1 | Research Grade | COA Verified

Description

Research area: MC1R-selective melanocortin receptor pharmacology

Product Description

Melanotan 1 (afamelanotide, [Nle4, D-Phe7]-alpha-MSH) is a synthetic linear 13-amino-acid analogue that preserves the full backbone of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone. Two targeted substitutions define it: norleucine replaces methionine at position 4 to remove oxidation susceptibility, and D-phenylalanine replaces L-phenylalanine at position 7 to enhance receptor affinity and proteolytic resistance. These changes give it a longer functional half-life than the native hormone while retaining a preference for the melanocortin-1 receptor subtype. In receptor-pharmacology research it serves as a comparatively selective reference ligand, distinguished from the broadly cyclic Melanotan 2 by its linear structure and narrower receptor profile.

Mechanism & Research Context

Melanotan 1 is studied as a preferential agonist of the melanocortin-1 receptor (MC1R), a Gs-coupled GPCR expressed on melanocytes. Receptor engagement in cell models raises intracellular cAMP and is used to investigate downstream melanogenic gene expression, including microphthalmia-associated transcription factor and eumelanin-biosynthesis enzymes. Its comparative MC1R selectivity makes it a laboratory tool for isolating MC1R-driven signaling from other melanocortin subtypes in cultured melanocyte and receptor-transfected systems.

Research Applications

• MC1R receptor-binding and cAMP signaling assays in melanocyte cultures
• Study of melanogenesis gene regulation in cell models
• Structure-activity comparison against native alpha-MSH and Melanotan 2
• Investigation of MC1R variant-allele responsiveness in vitro
• Photoprotection-pathway research in preclinical skin-cell systems

Storage & Handling

• Store sealed vials in a cool, dark place for short-term storage and frozen for long-term storage.
• After reconstitution, refrigerate and protect from light and heat.
• Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles; handle using standard laboratory safety and aseptic technique.

Product Specifications

• Compound class: Linear tridecapeptide alpha-MSH analogue
• Form: Lyophilized powder
• Purity: ≥ 99% (HPLC verified)
• Appearance: White to off-white powder
• Third-party tested: Yes — Certificate of Analysis (COA) on this product page

Quality & Third-Party Testing

Every batch of Melanotan 1 – MT1 is independently third-party tested in the USA for identity and purity, with a Certificate of Analysis (COA) available on this product page.

Compliance Notice

Melanotan 1 – MT1 is for research use only. It is not intended for human or veterinary use and has not been evaluated by the FDA. By purchasing, the buyer represents and warrants that it will be used solely for in-vitro laboratory research.