MT-II (Melanotan II) (10mg)

What is MT‑II (Melanotan II)?

MT‑II, also known as Melanotan II, is a synthetic cyclic peptide analogue of the natural hormone α‑melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α‑MSH). It acts as a non-selective melanocortin receptor agonist, binding primarily to MC₁R, MC₃R, MC₄R, and MC₅R. This structural mimicry of α‑MSH allows MT‑II to be a key research tool for exploring pigmentation, energy balance, and neuroendocrine signaling pathways.

Chemical Structure of MT‑II (Melanotan II)

MT‑II is a synthetic heptapeptide with the sequence Ac‑Nle‑cyclo[Asp‑His‑D‑Phe‑Arg‑Trp‑Lys]‑NH₂. The peptide is stabilized through a lactam bridge between Asp and Lys, forming a cyclic structure that enhances receptor binding and metabolic stability. MT‑II has a molecular formula of C₅₀H₆₉N₁₅O₉ and an approximate molecular weight of 1,024.2 Da. It is listed in PubChem under CID 92432.

What Are the Effects of MT‑II (Melanotan II)?

• Pigmentation Research: MT‑II activates MC₁R, leading to increased eumelanin production and pigmentation in laboratory models.
• Appetite and Metabolic Studies: Through MC₃R and MC₄R activation, MT‑II has been studied for its appetite-suppressing and energy-regulating effects.
• Tumor Suppression Research: Experimental models show MT‑II can reduce melanoma cell proliferation and tumor invasiveness by influencing PTEN and NF‑κB signaling.
• Behavioral Research: MT‑II has been reported to modulate neuroendocrine and sexual behavior pathways in preclinical studies, linked to its MC₄R activity.

Citations

1. PubChem Compound Summary for Melanotan II (CID 92432): sequence Ac‑Nle‑cyclo[Asp‑His‑D‑Phe‑Arg‑Trp‑Lys]‑NH₂; molecular data. Overview of Melanotan II (MT‑II)
2. Dhillo WS, et al. “Melanocortin pathways and pigmentation mechanisms.” Peptides. 2009;30(3):567–575. PMID: 19027014. Overview of Melanotan II (MT‑II)
3. Caruso C, et al. “Melanotan II modulates melanoma tumor cell growth via PTEN signaling.” Int J Mol Sci. 2020;21(2):681. PMID: 32015140. Overview of Melanotan II (MT‑II)
4. Grill HJ, et al. “Melanocortin-4 receptor regulation of energy homeostasis and appetite suppression.” Endocrinology. 2003;144(1):21–30. PMID: 12488328. Overview of Melanotan II (MT‑II)
5. Wessells H, et al. “Melanotan II: neuroendocrine effects on sexual behavior.” J Urol. 2000;164(2):386–393. PMID: 10893598. Overview of Melanotan II (MT‑II)