MT-1

What is Melanotan 1 (MT1) (10 mg)?

Melanotan 1 (MT1) (10 mg) is an analog of alpha-melanocyte–stimulating hormone (α-MSH), an endogenous peptide hormone involved in pigmentation regulation and melanocyte activity. In controlled research environments, MT1 is used to study its interaction with melanocortin receptors, particularly MC1R, which plays a central role in melanin synthesis and cellular responses to ultraviolet (UV) exposure.

Structurally, MT1 is a 13-amino acid peptide designed to replicate the functional domains of α-MSH, with modifications commonly used in peptide analog design for experimental use. The N-terminal acetylation and C-terminal amidation are terminal modifications used in peptide analog design for experimental systems. These modifications enable reproducible studies on receptor activation, intracellular signaling, and gene expression related to melanogenesis and cellular adaptation to UV exposure.

The 10 mg format is supplied as a high-purity lyophilized powder, allowing for accurate reconstitution and standardized solution preparation in research workflows. All uses are strictly limited to laboratory and preclinical research applications.

Product Specifications

• CAS Number: 75921-69-6
• Peptide Sequence:
  Ac–Ser–Tyr–Ser–Met–Glu–His–Phe–Arg–Trp–Gly–Lys–Pro–Val–NH₂
• Molecular Formula: C₇₈H₁₁₁N₂₁O₁₉
• Molecular Weight:874 g/mol
• Subcategory: Aesthetic & Cosmetic Peptides
• Synonyms: MT-1
• Purity: ≥95% (verified by HPLC and mass spectrometry)
• Packaging Format: 10 mg lyophilized powder in sterile research vial
• Storage Conditions: Store at 2–8 °C or frozen at ≤ –20 °C as appropriate. Minimize room-temperature exposure. Protect from light and moisture
• Intended Use: For laboratory research use only. Not for human or veterinary use. Not for diagnostic or therapeutic use.

Key Characteristics of Melanotan 1 (MT1) (10 mg)

• Synthetic α-MSH analog designed for melanocortin receptor research
• Engineered peptide structure with terminal acetylation and amidation
• High analytical purity suitable for controlled experimental models
• Commonly used in melanocyte biology and receptor pharmacology studies
• Lyophilized presentation supports handling and reconstitution in laboratory workflows
• Compatible with in vitro cell-based assays and preclinical models
• Quality verified through chromatographic and spectrometric analysis

How Melanotan 1 (MT1) (10 mg) Supports Research

Melanotan 1 (MT1) is widely used in laboratory studies to examine melanocortin receptor activation and the signaling pathways that follow. In experimental models, MT1 is investigated for its ability to stimulate cyclic AMP (cAMP) production and to activate protein kinase A (PKA)-related pathways, which are involved in melanin production and cellular responses to UV-induced stress.

Researchers use MT1 to explore:

• Receptor binding affinity and selectivity across melanocortin receptor subtypes
• Signal amplification and activation of second-messenger systems
• Gene expression related to melanogenesis
• Cellular responses to UV-induced stress in melanocyte cultures
• Comparative activity between endogenous α-MSH and synthetic analogs

With its defined molecular structure, MT1 is used as a tool compound in controlled experimental studies.

Research Applications & Usage Information

Melanotan 1 (MT1) (10 mg) is commonly used in laboratory research for:

• Melanocortin receptor (MC1R) signaling studies
• Melanin production and pigmentation pathway modeling
• Cellular photobiology research
• Peptide–receptor interaction and affinity analysis
• Intracellular second-messenger pathway studies
• Comparative evaluation of melanocortin analogs

All applications are investigational and limited to non-clinical research environments.

Handling and Storage Recommendations

• Store unopened vials at 2–8 °C
• If frozen storage is used, maintain at ≤ –20 °C
• Protect from direct light exposure
• Avoid moisture contamination during handling
• Allow vial to equilibrate before reconstitution to reduce condensation
• After reconstitution, store at 2–8 °C and minimize freeze–thaw cycles

Research Use Only Notice

This product is intended for laboratory research use only and is not approved for human or veterinary use. It is not intended for diagnostic, therapeutic, or clinical applications. Any reference to biological activity or potential effects is based solely on preclinical or in-vitro findings and should not be interpreted as validated clinical outcomes. Researchers are responsible for ensuring proper handling, storage, and disposal in accordance with institutional, federal, and international guidelines.

References

1. García-Borrón JC, Abdel-Malek Z, Jiménez-Cervantes C. MC1R, the cAMP pathway, and the response to solar UV: extending the horizon beyond pigmentation. Pigment Cell Melanoma Res. 2014;27(5):699-720. doi:10.1111/pcmr.12257
2. Wolf Horrell EM, Boulanger MC, D’Orazio JA. Melanocortin 1 Receptor: Structure, Function, and Regulation. Front Genet. 2016;7:95. Published 2016 May 31. doi:10.3389/fgene.2016.00095
3. Swope VB, Abdel-Malek ZA. MC1R: Front and Center in the Bright Side of Dark Eumelanin and DNA Repair. Int J Mol Sci. 2018;19(9):2667. Published 2018 Sep 8. doi:10.3390/ijms19092667
4. Singh M, Mukhopadhyay K. Alpha-melanocyte stimulating hormone: an emerging anti-inflammatory antimicrobial peptide. Biomed Res Int. 2014;2014:874610. doi:10.1155/2014/874610