Melanotan I

Melanotan 1 (MT-1), also known as afamelanotide, is a synthetic linear tridecapeptide analogue of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (alpha-MSH). It incorporates two key modifications relative to native alpha-MSH: a norleucine (Nle) substitution at position 4 and a D-phenylalanine (D-Phe) substitution at position 7, which collectively enhance receptor binding affinity and metabolic stability. MT-1 acts as a potent agonist at melanocortin receptor subtypes, with high selectivity for MC1R expressed on melanocytes. In research settings, it is studied for its ability to stimulate melanogenesis, modulate UV-related cellular responses, and influence immune and inflammatory signaling through melanocortin pathways. Approved in some jurisdictions for erythropoietic protoporphyria, it remains a research tool in the context of melanocortin biology. For research use only. Not for human consumption.

Chemical Structure and Identification

• Molecular Formula: C₇₈H₁₁₁N₂₁O₁₉
• Molecular Weight: 1646.87 g/mol
• CAS Number: 75921-69-6

Research Applications

• Melanocortin Receptor Pharmacology: Study of MT-1’s binding kinetics, cAMP induction, and receptor selectivity across MC1R through MC5R subtypes in cell-based assay systems [1]
• Melanogenesis Research: Investigation of MC1R-driven melanin synthesis, CREB-mediated transcription, and melanosome biology in melanocyte models [2]
• Photoprotection Biology: Examination of melanotan 1’s effects on UV-induced DNA damage response, apoptosis, and pigmentation signaling in skin cell models [3]
• Immune Modulation Research: Analysis of melanocortin receptor-mediated anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects through MC1R signaling in immune cell populations [4]

Reference Citations

1. Hadley ME et al. (1996) – Peptides | https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/8888296/
2. Abdel-Malek ZA et al. (1995) – FASEB J | https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/7768359/
3. Lim HW et al. (2001) – Photochem Photobiol | https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11700023/
4. Catania A et al. (2004) – Pharmacol Rev | https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15169926/

Important Regulatory Notice

These products are for research use only and are not intended for human consumption, therapeutic use, or diagnostic purposes. All compounds described herein have not been approved by the FDA for human use. These products are strictly intended for in vitro laboratory research and analytical purposes when conducted by qualified research professionals in licensed facilities. Users are responsible for ensuring compliance with all applicable laws regarding purchase and use of these materials.