Melanotan-2 is a synthetic cyclic analog of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH) that has been studied in laboratory research involving melanocortin receptors, peptide structure, receptor signaling, and related cellular pathways. It is structurally distinct from Melanotan-1 and is frequently used as a research ligand when investigators are examining melanocortin receptor pharmacology. Helix Bio provides Melanotan-2 as a research-use-only peptide for qualified laboratory and scientific applications. Researchers should consult the applicable lot-specific Certificate of Analysis (COA) and product documentation before incorporating the material into an experimental workflow.
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Melanotan-2 is a synthetic peptide analog derived from the α-MSH framework. Unlike native α-MSH, Melanotan-2 incorporates structural modifications that produce a cyclic peptide configuration. This makes it a useful research model for investigating how peptide structure influences receptor interactions and biological signaling.
Melanotan-2 has been studied across the melanocortin receptor family, including MC1R, MC3R, MC4R, and MC5R. Its activity across these receptor systems has made it relevant to experimental pharmacology, receptor-ligand studies, and structure-activity relationship research.
The compound is commonly abbreviated as MT-2 or Melanotan II. It should not be confused with Melanotan-1, also known as Melanotan I or NDP-MSH. The two peptides have different molecular structures and research profiles.
Melanotan-2 is a cyclic heptapeptide analog of α-MSH. Its molecular design incorporates a lactam bridge that creates a constrained peptide structure. This cyclic configuration is an important feature when investigating the relationship between peptide conformation and melanocortin receptor activity.
The peptide is associated with the sequence Ac-Nle-c[Asp-His-D-Phe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-NH2. The structural constraint introduced through cyclization is relevant to studies examining ligand-receptor interactions and melanocortin pharmacology.
Researchers comparing α-MSH analogs can use Melanotan-2 as a defined structural model alongside other melanocortin peptides.
Melanotan-2 is intended solely for laboratory research. Potential research applications include:
The appropriate application depends on the experimental system, research objectives, analytical methods, and laboratory protocols.
Although their names are similar, Melanotan-1 and Melanotan-2 are different synthetic melanocortin analogs.
| Characteristic | Melanotan-1 | Melanotan-2 |
|---|---|---|
| Common abbreviation | MT-I | MT-II / MT-2 |
| General class | α-MSH analog | Cyclic α-MSH analog |
| Structural form | Modified linear peptide | Cyclic peptide |
| Research focus | Melanocortin receptor and pigmentation biology | Melanocortin receptor pharmacology and ligand activity |
| Molecular design | Nle4-D-Phe7 substitution | Cyclic heptapeptide analog with D-Phe substitution |
| Research use | Laboratory research | Laboratory research |
This distinction matters when selecting a peptide for comparative receptor or structure-function experiments.
Melanotan-2 is particularly useful for researchers studying how structural changes in melanocortin peptides affect receptor interactions.
Defined Cyclic Structure
The cyclic configuration of Melanotan-2 provides researchers with a useful model for examining how conformational restriction influences peptide-receptor interactions.
Broad Melanocortin Research Relevance
Published research has investigated Melanotan-2 and related analogs across melanocortin receptor subtypes. This makes the compound relevant to comparative receptor pharmacology and ligand studies.
Useful for Structure-Activity Research
Synthetic analogs such as Melanotan-2 allow researchers to compare molecular modifications and examine how sequence and conformation relate to receptor activity.
Established Research History
Melanotan-2 has appeared in scientific research investigating melanocortin receptors, peptide pharmacology, and related signaling systems, giving researchers an established literature base for experimental planning.
Research-Only Positioning
Helix Bio positions its peptide materials for research use. This is appropriate for qualified laboratories requiring peptide reagents for non-clinical experimental work.
Melanotan-2 is intended for qualified researchers and organizations conducting legitimate laboratory investigations, including:
It is not intended for consumers seeking tanning, cosmetic, therapeutic, or personal-use effects.
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