MT 2 Peptide – Premium Research Peptide

What Is MT 2 Peptide?

MT 2 peptide (Melanotan II) is a synthetic cyclic heptapeptide analogue of the endogenous α-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH). It acts as a non-selective agonist for melanocortin receptors MC1, MC3, MC4, and MC5, influencing a range of physiological processes including skin pigmentation, sexual function, and metabolism. Chemically, this peptide is identified by the amino acid sequence Ac-Nle-cyclo[Asp-His-D-Phe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-NH2 and the CAS number 121062-08-6 (free base). The cyclic structure, created by a lactam bridge, confers significantly greater metabolic stability and potency compared to its linear parent hormone, α-MSH.

This peptide was developed as a successor to afamelanotide (Melanotan I), an FDA-approved drug operating through a similar pathway. However, unlike afamelanotide which has high selectivity for MC1R, the MT 2 peptide activates multiple melanocortin receptors, producing a broader range of physiological effects.

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Product Specifications

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Research Applications

Melanocortin Receptor Signaling

The MT-2 peptide binds to melanocortin receptors with varying affinities. Research data shows binding affinity (Ki) values of 0.67 nM for MC1R, 34 nM for MC3R, 6.6 nM for MC4R, and 46 nM for MC5R. Upon binding to the MC1 receptor on melanocytes, this peptide activates a G-protein-coupled receptor signaling cascade. This leads to activation of adenylyl cyclase, increased intracellular cAMP, activation of Protein Kinase A (PKA), and phosphorylation of CREB. Phosphorylated CREB then upregulates MITF, a key regulator of genes involved in melanin synthesis such as tyrosinase.

Melanogenesis Research

The MT 2 peptide is extensively used in research on melanogenesis — the biological process of melanin production. In vitro studies using B16-F10 mouse melanoma cells showed that treatment with 100 nM of this peptide for 48 hours produced approximately a 2.5-fold increase in melanin content and a 3-fold increase in tyrosinase activity compared to controls. Human melanocyte studies demonstrated dose-dependent increases in melanin content at concentrations ranging from 10 nM to 1 µM.

Energy Homeostasis and Metabolism

The MT 2 peptide acts on MC4R, which is a critical node in the leptin-melanocortin pathway. This pathway plays pivotal roles in regulating energy homeostasis, appetite, and metabolism. Research into this peptide contributes to understanding these regulatory mechanisms.

Sexual Function Research

The MT-2 peptide has been studied for its effects on sexual function through MC4R signaling in the hypothalamus. This mechanism is distinct from phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors, which act peripherally via the nitric oxide and cyclic GMP pathway. This research contributed to the development of bremelanotide (PT-141), an N-acetylated cyclic analog of this peptide.

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Quality and Purity

Each batch of MT-2 peptide undergoes rigorous quality control testing to ensure:

• ≥99% purity verified by HPLC

• Correct molecular weight confirmed by mass spectrometry

• Consistent peptide content validated by amino acid analysis

Certificates of Analysis (COA) are available upon request, providing full transparency for research applications.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is MT 2 peptide?

MT 2 peptide (Melanotan II) is a synthetic cyclic heptapeptide analogue of α-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH). It functions as a non-selective agonist for melanocortin receptors MC1, MC3, MC4, and MC5.

How does MT 2 peptide work?

The MT 2 peptide binds to melanocortin receptors and activates G-protein-coupled signaling cascades. At MC1R, this leads to increased cAMP, PKA activation, and upregulation of MITF, which drives melanin synthesis.

What is the molecular weight of MT 2 peptide?

The MT 2 peptide has a molar mass of 1024.180 g/mol and molecular formula C50H69N15O9.

What purity level can I expect?

Our MT 2 peptide is provided at ≥99% purity, verified by HPLC.

How should MT 2 peptide be stored?

MT 2 peptide should be stored at -20°C for long-term stability. Lyophilised powder should be reconstituted according to standard laboratory protocols.

Is MT 2 peptide FDA-approved?

No. The MT-2 peptide is not approved by the FDA for any medical use. It is supplied strictly for research purposes only.

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References

• Wikipedia: Melanotan II – Chemical properties, history, and mechanism of action

• ScienceDirect: Evaluation of Melanotan-II in a pilot phase-I clinical study – Original clinical research on MT-II tanning activity

• BenchChem: Melanotan-II Mechanism of Action – MC1R signaling pathway and quantitative data

• BenchChem: Binding Affinity of Melanotan II – Receptor binding affinity data for MC1R-MC5R

• Superpower: Melanotan II Mechanism and Safety – Comprehensive review of MT-II pharmacology

• The Skin Cancer Foundation: Warning Regarding Melanotan II – Safety information and regulatory status

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Conclusion

The MT 2 peptide is a synthetic melanocortin receptor agonist used extensively in research on melanogenesis, energy homeostasis, and sexual function. Its cyclic structure provides enhanced metabolic stability compared to linear α-MSH analogs. With high binding affinity for MC1R and MC4R, the MT-2 peptide serves as a valuable research tool for investigating melanocortin signaling pathways.

For researchers requiring a reliable, high-purity MT 2 peptide for their studies, our product provides precise characterization and consistent quality.

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