MT1

Melanotan-1, also referred to as afamelanotide or melanotan-I, is a synthetic peptide hormone analog. Its primary activity involves binding to and activating melanocortin receptors, with a high affinity for the melanocortin-1 receptor (MC1R). By engaging this receptor, Melanotan-1 stimulates the cyclic AMP (cAMP) signaling cascade, which drives melanogenesis pathways in melanocyte cell cultures and facilitates melanin synthesis without the necessity of UV radiation. This compound is extensively used in research settings to study the biology of pigmentation, cellular signaling, and photoprotective mechanisms in dermal cell models.

Properties of Melanotan-1

• Peptide Sequence: Ser-Tyr-Ser-Nle-Glu-His-D-Phe-Arg-Trp-Gly-Lys-Pro-Val

• Chemical Formula: C78H111N21O19

• Molecular Mass: 1646.8 g/mol

• CAS Number: 75921-69-6

• PubChem: 16154396

• Vial Size: 3ml

Lyophilized Peptides

These peptides are provided in a freeze-dried, filler-free state to maximize stability and preserve chemical integrity during storage. Reconstitute with sterile solvent immediately prior to experimental use.

Disclaimer

This content is provided strictly for research purposes and does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation for the non-laboratory application or improper handling of peptides designed for research. The information, including discussions about specific peptides and their researched benefits, is presented for informational purposes only and must not be construed as health, clinical, or legal guidance, nor an encouragement for non-research use in humans. Peptides described here are solely for use in structured scientific study by authorized individuals. We advise consulting with research experts, medical practitioners, or legal counsel prior to any decisions about obtaining or utilizing these peptides. The expectation of responsible, ethical utilization of this information for legitimate investigative and scholarly objectives is paramount. This notice is dynamic and governs all provided content on research peptides.

Research

Melanotan-1 acts as a stable alpha-MSH analog, engaging melanocortin receptors to modulate pigmentation, DNA repair, and immune regulation.

Melanogenesis and DNA Repair

• MC1R binding activates cAMP-dependent cascades that upregulate tyrosinase for eumelanin production (Wang et al., 2024).

• Signaling enhances nucleotide excision repair by recruiting XPA proteins to DNA damage sites, accelerating photolesion removal (Ma et al., 2021).

Anti-Inflammatory and Antioxidant Pathways

• Modulating macrophage NF-kB signaling decreases nitric oxide generation and pro-inflammatory cytokines (Polanska et al., 2024).

• PI3K/Akt/Nrf2 pathway activation increases antioxidant enzyme expression, reducing oxidative stress (Polanska et al., 2024).

Hepatic and Erythropoietic Investigations

• Melanocortin signaling may reduce neutrophil infiltration in hepatic tissue (Polanska et al., 2024).

• Peptide studies in erythropoietic protoporphyria models indicate potential for modulating protoporphyrin accumulation and erythroblast survival (Polanska et al., 2024).

References

1. Ma, S. et al. (2021). Structural mechanism of calcium-mediated hormone recognition and Gbeta interaction by the human melanocortin-1 receptor. Cell Research, 31, 1269–1281. doi: 10.1038/s41422-021-00557-y

2. Polanska, A. et al. (2024). Afamelanotide in protoporphyria and other skin diseases: a review. Advances in Dermatology and Allergology, 41(3), 323-331. doi: 10.5114/ada.2024.138818

3. Wang, F. et al. (2024). The biochemistry of melanogenesis: an insight into the function and mechanism of melanogenesis-related proteins. Frontiers in Molecular Biosciences, 11. doi: 10.3389/fmolb.2024.1440187