What Is Melanotan 2?
Melanotan 2 (MT-2) is a cyclic heptapeptide analogue of alpha-melanocyte stimulating hormone, developed at the University of Arizona in the late 1980s alongside MT-1. Its cyclic structure โ formed by a lactam bridge between residues 4 and 7 โ confers greater metabolic stability and potency than the linear MT-1, along with broader receptor binding across the melanocortin receptor family.
MT-2 is among the most widely researched melanocortin peptides in academic literature, with studies spanning pigmentation, energy balance, reproductive biology, and inflammation.
Melanocortin Receptor Profile
| Receptor | Primary Location | Associated Research Effects |
|---|---|---|
| MC1R | Melanocytes, skin | Eumelanin production, pigmentation |
| MC3R | Hypothalamus, peripheral | Energy balance, appetite modulation |
| MC4R | CNS (hypothalamus) | Appetite suppression, energy expenditure |
| MC5R | Peripheral tissues | Exocrine gland modulation |
Pigmentation Pathway
Like MT-1, MT-2 stimulates melanin synthesis through MC1R agonism. However, due to its greater potency and broader receptor engagement, the pigmentation response is typically more pronounced and faster in onset in preclinical models.
MC4R and Energy Regulation Research
The MC4R pathway is among the most studied in obesity and metabolic research. MC4R is highly expressed in the hypothalamus and is central to leptin-mediated appetite suppression signaling. MT-2's MC4R agonism has made it a research tool for studying central mechanisms of energy homeostasis.
Research Areas
| Area | Model | Key Observation |
|---|---|---|
| Pigmentation | Human, mouse | Dose-dependent increase in eumelanin |
| Appetite / Energy | Rat, mouse | Reduced food intake via MC4R |
| Body Composition | Obese mouse model | Reduced adiposity with MC3R/MC4R activation |
| Inflammation | Rat | Anti-inflammatory via central and peripheral MC pathways |
Storage
Store lyophilized MT-2 at โ20ยฐC. Protect from light. After reconstitution with bacteriostatic water, refrigerate at 2โ8ยฐC and use within 30 days. MT-2 is sensitive to light degradation โ ensure vials are kept covered.
For research use only. Not for human or animal use. Order MT-2 here.