MT-2 (Melanotan II) (Research Overview)
Melanotan II (MT-II, MT-2) is a synthetic cyclic heptapeptide analogue of α-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH), with the structure Ac-Nle-cyclo[Asp-His-D-Phe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-NH2. It was designed in the late 1980s from structure-activity relationships and molecular-dynamics studies of α-MSH.
Mechanism of Action
The melanocortin system consists of five G protein-coupled receptors (MC1R to MC5R), melanocortin peptides derived from the proopiomelanocortin precursor, and the endogenous antagonists agouti and agouti-related protein. Reviews of the system describe the receptors, their ligands and the signalling pathways involved.
MT-2 differs from the linear analogue MT-1 in being cyclised: a lactam bridge joins the Asp and Lys side chains and constrains the core His-Phe-Arg-Trp message sequence of α-MSH (carried here with D-Phe). Binding studies in cells expressing the human MC1, MC3, MC4 and MC5 receptors have examined MT-II alongside the cyclic lactam analogue SHU9119 and cyclic disulphide analogues, and reported that the cyclic lactams showed higher overall affinity for the receptors than the disulphide analogues.
Research Areas
Melanocortin receptor pharmacology: cyclic lactam analogues such as MT-II are used as reference ligands in receptor-binding and signalling studies that compare activity across the melanocortin receptor subtypes.
Structure-activity research: the original design work varied the lactam ring chemistry and key residues (Nle4 and D-Phe7) and compared analogues in classical amphibian skin bioassays, and it remains a reference point for cyclic melanocortin ligand design.
Background literature: reviews of the melanocortin system and its receptor ligands place MT-2 in the broader context of melanocortin pharmacology.
Findings from published studies do not establish safety or efficacy for any indication and should not be interpreted as medical claims.
Specification summary
MT-2 10mg
Stated purity ≥99%. For laboratory research use only.
Related materials
References
- Al-Obeidi F, Castrucci AM, Hadley ME, Hruby VJ. Potent and prolonged acting cyclic lactam analogues of alpha-melanotropin: design based on molecular dynamics. J Med Chem. 1989;32(12):2555-61. PMID 2555512 · DOI
- Schiöth HB, Müceniece R, Mutulis F, Prusis P, Lindeberg G, Sharma SD, et al. Selectivity of cyclic [D-Nal7] and [D-Phe7] substituted MSH analogues for the melanocortin receptor subtypes. Peptides. 1997;18(7):1009-13. PMID 9357059 · DOI
- Cone RD. Studies on the physiological functions of the melanocortin system. Endocr Rev. 2006;27(7):736-49. PMID 17077189 · DOI
- Yuan XC, Tao YX. Ligands for Melanocortin Receptors: Beyond Melanocyte-Stimulating Hormones and Adrenocorticotropin. Biomolecules. 2022;12(10). PMID 36291616 · DOI
Cited literature is provided for scientific context only and does not describe or endorse any use of these products.
For laboratory research use only. Not for human or veterinary use. Not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.