Synthetic α-MSH analog — cyclic heptapeptide · 10mg research quantity MC1R / MC4R melanocortin receptor agonist (parent compound of PT-141 / bremelanotide) Research-grade · CAS 121062-08-6 For in vitro melanocortin receptor and pigmentation research only
For laboratory research use only. Not for human or veterinary consumption. SKU MT2.
| Sequence | Ac-Nle-cyclo[Asp-His-D-Phe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-NH2 |
| Molecular Formula | C50H69N15O9 |
| Molecular Weight | 1024.18 g/mol |
| CAS Number | 121062-08-6 |
| Classification | Non-selective MC1R / MC4R melanocortin receptor agonist |
| Form | Lyophilized powder |
| Quantity | 10mg per vial |
The melanocortin family covers a spread of physiological signaling that runs from cutaneous pigment biology to central appetite regulation, energy expenditure, and inflammatory response modulation. MT-2 was synthesized to enable cleaner experimental access to these pathways by overcoming the two main limitations of α-MSH itself: poor pharmacokinetic stability and a flat affinity profile across all five MC receptor subtypes. MC1R, expressed predominantly on melanocytes, is the receptor most associated with eumelanin synthesis and UV-independent melanogenesis research. MC4R, expressed throughout the hypothalamus, has been the dominant focus of energy-homeostasis and feeding-behavior studies. MT-2’s potency at both subtypes makes it a useful single-compound model for parallel investigation of dermatological and central-nervous-system melanocortin signaling within the same study design.
Removing the C-terminal amide from MT-2 yields bremelanotide (PT-141), which shifts the receptor selectivity profile toward MC3R/MC4R while substantially reducing MC1R engagement. Investigators interested in dissecting MC1R-dominant versus MC3R/MC4R-dominant signaling commonly pair these two compounds — MT-2 as the broader-spectrum probe, PT-141 as the central-nervous-system-biased counterpart — to attribute observed effects to specific receptor subtypes within the same experimental framework.
Supplied as lyophilized powder. Reconstitute with bacteriostatic water for in vitro studies; store reconstituted material at 2–8°C and use within published peptide stability windows. Long-term storage of sealed lyophilized vials at –20°C preserves potency for documented timeframes. For laboratory research use only. Not for human or veterinary use. Not for diagnostic or therapeutic application.