MELANOTAN 1 - 10mg

SPECIFICATIONS

Product Code: ML1010

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

Molecular Formula: C78H111N21O19

Molecular Weight: 1646.874 g/mol

CAS Number: 75921-69-6

Purity: Technical / Research Grade 98%

Other details: No TFA Salt

Form: Lyophilized powder

Color: White

Storage temperature: -20°C

Source: Synthetic

Safety classification: Standard handling

DESCRIPTION

Melanotan 1 (MT-1) is a synthetic peptide analog structurally derived from the naturally occurring alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH), a key component of the melanocortin system. MT-1 was initially developed and studied for its ability to stimulate melanogenesis, leading to increased skin pigmentation without direct ultraviolet exposure. Over time, experimental and preclinical research has revealed that MT-1 interacts with multiple melanocortin receptors distributed throughout the body, resulting in a broad range of biological effects extending beyond pigmentation alone.

Due to its interaction with central and peripheral melanocortin pathways, MT-1 has been investigated in research contexts related to neuroendocrine regulation, immune modulation, metabolic signaling, and cellular protection. These findings have positioned MT-1 as a multifunctional peptide of interest across dermatological, neurological, metabolic, and immunological research domains.

Melanotan 1 and Skin Pigmentation

• Structural Similarity to Alpha-MSH: MT-1 differs from α-MSH by only a single amino acid substitution, resulting in enhanced stability and prolonged biological activity in experimental systems. This close structural relationship explains the overlap in receptor interactions and functional outcomes observed in research models.
• Melanocortin Receptor Binding: Both MT-1 and α-MSH bind to melanocortin receptors, particularly the melanocortin-1 receptor (MC1R), which plays a central role in regulating melanin synthesis in melanocytes. Activation of MC1R promotes eumelanin production, contributing to darker pigmentation and increased resistance to UV-induced damage.
• Pigmentation and Photoprotection: Clinical and experimental studies have shown that MT-1 increases the likelihood and uniformity of tanning responses and is associated with a reduced incidence of sunburn under controlled exposure conditions. These effects have made MT-1 a key molecule in research exploring non-UV-dependent pigmentation mechanisms and photoprotective strategies.

Beyond Skin Pigmentation: Additional Biological Effects

• Sexual Arousal and Central Signaling: MT-1 has been shown to influence central nervous system pathways associated with sexual arousal and motivation. These effects are thought to be mediated primarily through melanocortin receptors in the hypothalamus, highlighting the peptide’s role in neurobehavioral signaling rather than direct hormonal action.
• Appetite Regulation and Metabolic Activity: Experimental research indicates that MT-1 can affect appetite control and basal metabolic rate. Through its interaction with melanocortin receptors involved in energy homeostasis, MT-1 has been studied in models examining food intake, energy expenditure, and metabolic efficiency.

Research Applications

• Vitiligo Research: MT-1 has been investigated in combination with UVB phototherapy in research models of vitiligo. Studies suggest that MT-1 may enhance melanocyte activation and migration, supporting repigmentation processes under experimental conditions.
• Actinic Keratosis and Skin Cell Regulation: Ongoing research has explored MT-1’s relevance in studies of actinic keratosis and other precancerous skin conditions, focusing on its effects on melanocyte biology, DNA repair pathways, and cellular stress responses.
• Cardiovascular Research: In animal models of hypertension, MT-1 has demonstrated protective effects on vascular and cardiovascular parameters. These findings have prompted further investigation into melanocortin signaling as a modulator of blood pressure and vascular tone.

Neuroprotective and Neurological Research

• Cognitive Decline and Neurodegeneration: Studies conducted in animal models suggest that MT-1 may influence pathways involved in cognitive function, neuronal survival, and oxidative stress regulation. These observations have led to interest in MT-1 within research focused on age-related cognitive decline and neurodegenerative processes.
• Multiple Sclerosis Models: MT-1 has been shown in experimental systems to help preserve myelin integrity and reduce inflammatory damage to neurons. This has positioned the peptide as a molecule of interest in research exploring demyelinating disorders and neuroinflammatory regulation.

Mechanisms of Action

• Melanocortin-4 Receptor (MC4R): MT-1’s effects on immune modulation, inflammation, appetite, and central nervous system signaling have been linked to activation of the melanocortin-4 receptor. MC4R plays a critical role in neuroimmune communication and energy balance.
• Melanocortin-5 Receptor (MC5R): Interaction with the melanocortin-5 receptor has been associated with lipid metabolism, including fat storage, lipid oxidation, and peripheral metabolic regulation. This receptor interaction contributes to MT-1’s systemic metabolic effects observed in research models.

Conclusion

Melanotan 1 is a multifunctional synthetic peptide that extends well beyond its original role in pigmentation research. Through its interaction with the melanocortin system, MT-1 has been shown to influence a wide array of biological processes, including skin biology, neuroendocrine signaling, immune modulation, metabolism, and cellular protection. While initially developed as a sunless tanning agent, its diverse physiological interactions continue to make MT-1 a subject of active experimental and preclinical investigation across multiple scientific disciplines.

REFERENCES

All observations described above originate from in vitro systems, animal studies, or other preclinical experimental models. They are intended solely to support basic research into molecular, cellular, and physiological mechanisms and do not imply therapeutic, diagnostic, or preventive applications in humans or animals.

R.T. Dorr et al., "Effects of a superpotent melanotropic peptide in combination with solar UV radiation on tanning of the skin in human volunteers" [PubMed]

S.O. Ugwu et al., "Skin pigmentation and pharmacokinetics of melanotan-I in humans" [PubMed]

N. Surendran et al., "High-performance liquid chromatographic assay for Melanotan-1 ([Nle4-DPhe7]alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone) in biological matrices" [PubMed]

L.M. Fitzgerald et al., "Effect of MELANOTAN, [Nle(4), D-Phe(7)]-alpha-MSH, on melanin synthesis in humans with MC1R variant alleles" [PubMed]

M.E. Hadley et al., "Discovery and development of novel melanogenic drugs. Melanotan-I and -II" [PubMed]

R.T. Dorr, "Increased eumelanin expression and tanning is induced by a superpotent melanotropin [Nle4-D-Phe7]-alpha-MSH in humans" [PubMed]

DISCLAIMER

This product is intendend for lab research and development use only. These studies are performed outside of the body. This product is not medicines or drugs and has not been approved by the FDA or EMA to prevent, treat or cure any medical condition, ailment or disease. Bodily introduction of any kind into humans or animals is strictly forbidden by law. This product should only be handled by licensed, qualified professionals.

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