Melanotan 1 (MT-1)
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Melanotan 1 (MT-1) is a synthetic linear tridecapeptide consisting of 13 amino acids. It is a full-length analogue of the endogenous alpha-Melanocyte Stimulating Hormone (α-MSH). Research distinguishes MT-1 from other melanocortins by its high selectivity and binding affinity for the melanocortin 1 receptor (MC1R), making it a primary subject for in vitro studies investigating melanogenesis and cellular responses to ultraviolet (UV) radiation.
For Research Use Only. Not for human consumption.
$53.00
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Melanotan 1 (MT-1), also known in scientific literature as afamelanotide, possesses the molecular formula C₇₈H₁₁₁N₂₁O₁₉. It is structurally comprised of a linear chain of 13 amino acids. Unlike the cyclic structure of Melanotan 2 (MT-2), MT-1 more closely mirrors the native structure of α-MSH, albeit with specific amino acid substitutions designed to resist rapid enzymatic degradation and extend its stability in laboratory assays.
Scientific studies focus predominantly on the interaction between MT-1 and the melanocortin 1 receptor (MC1R), which is located on the surface of melanocytes. Upon binding, MT-1 activates the adenylyl cyclase signaling pathway, subsequently increasing intracellular levels of cyclic AMP (cAMP). This cascade triggers the upregulation of the microphthalmia-associated transcription factor (MITF), a crucial step that promotes the expression of tyrosinase and drives the synthesis of melanin (melanogenesis).
In research models, MT-1 is utilized to study isolated pigmentation pathways without the confounding variables associated with central nervous system stimulation. Because MT-1 exhibits significantly lower binding affinity for central melanocortin receptors (such as MC3R and MC4R) compared to MT-2, researchers use it to examine cellular photoprotection, DNA repair mechanisms in skin cell cultures, and the extracellular matrix response to simulated solar damage.
This product is strictly for laboratory and research purposes only. Melanotan 1 (MT-1) is not intended for human use, diagnostic, or therapeutic procedures. It serves as a reagent for scientific study and method development.
References
- Hadley, M. E., & Dorr, R. T. (2006). “Melanocortin peptide therapeutics: historical milestones, clinical studies and commercialization.” Peptides, 27(4), 921-930.
- Abdel-Malek, Z. A., et al. (2006). “Alpha-MSH tripeptide analogs activate the melanocortin 1 receptor and reduce UV-induced DNA damage in human melanocytes.” Pigment Cell Research, 19(5), 428-434.
- Eberle, A. N., et al. (1991). “Melanocyte-stimulating hormone: structure-activity relationships, receptor binding and signal transduction.” Journal of Receptor Research, 11(1-4), 311-322.
