Melanotan I

Description

MT-1 (Melanotan-1, Afamelanotide) is a synthetic 13-amino acid linear peptide on the alpha-melanocyte-stimulating-hormone (α-MSH) backbone, with the sequence Ac-Ser-Tyr-Ser-Nle-Glu-His-D-Phe-Arg-Trp-Gly-Lys-Pro-Val-NH₂, molecular formula C₇₈H₁₁₁N₂₁O₁₉, a molecular weight of approximately 1,646.85 Da, and CAS number 75921-69-6. MT-1 features a norleucine (Nle) substitution at position 4 and a D-phenylalanine (D-Phe) at position 7, conferring enhanced in-vitro stability and approximately 100-fold increased MC1R binding affinity compared to the native α-MSH sequence in published research models. MT-1 binds selectively at the melanocortin-1 receptor (MC1R) with minimal binding at MC3-5R subtypes.

In laboratory research, MT-1 is utilized in MC1R signaling studies, melanocyte receptor binding pathway investigations (tyrosinase, TRP-1, TRP-2 activation), MITF transcription factor regulation, cAMP/CREB phosphorylation assays, eumelanin/pheomelanin synthesis ratio determinations, and UV-induced DNA damage response studies in melanocyte cell models.

Supplied as a lyophilized powder with ≥99% purity verified by HPLC. For storage and handling conditions, refer to the Certificate of Analysis provided with each lot. This product is intended strictly for laboratory research use only (RUO) and is not for human consumption, therapeutic use, or any diagnostic purposes.