Melanotan 2 – MT2 | Research Grade | COA Verified

Description

Research area: Non-selective melanocortin receptor signaling studies

Product Description

Melanotan 2 (MT-2) is a synthetic cyclic heptapeptide analogue of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone, structurally represented as Ac-Nle-c[Asp-His-D-Phe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-NH2. A lactam bridge between the aspartate and lysine residues cyclizes the molecule, and a D-phenylalanine substitution at position 7 further increases enzymatic stability and binding affinity relative to the linear native hormone. Unlike the more MC1R-focused Melanotan 1, this compact cyclic architecture confers broad, non-selective activity across multiple melanocortin receptor subtypes. It is therefore used in laboratory pharmacology as a pan-melanocortin reference agonist for probing signaling that spans pigmentation, energy-balance, and other melanocortin-mediated pathways in cell and animal models.

Mechanism & Research Context

Melanotan 2 acts as a broad agonist across melanocortin receptors, with reported affinity ranking MC1R greater than or equal to MC4R, greater than MC3R and MC5R. All are Gs-coupled GPCRs signaling through cAMP. In research models the MC1R arm is examined for melanogenesis pathways while MC3R/MC4R engagement is studied for central energy-balance and neurobehavioral circuits, making MT-2 a tool for dissecting subtype-specific melanocortin signaling.

Research Applications

• Pan-melanocortin receptor cAMP activation profiling across MC1R-MC5R
• MC4R-focused study of central energy-balance circuits in rodents
• Comparative receptor-selectivity research versus Melanotan 1
• In-vitro melanogenesis signaling in melanocyte cultures
• Radioligand binding-affinity ranking across melanocortin subtypes

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: Cyclic lactam-bridged heptapeptide melanocortin agonist
• 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 2 – MT2 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 2 – MT2 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.