Melanotan I Research Background
This product is not intended for weight loss, human consumption, or veterinary use. It is sold for research purposes only. Please handle with care and follow all safety guidelines for the specific chemicals involved.
Melanotan I (MT-I), also known as afamelanotide, is a synthetic analog of the endogenous peptide hormone alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (alpha-MSH). It was originally developed to investigate melanocortin receptor signaling and its effects on pigmentation and photoprotection in experimental models. Structurally, Melanotan I is a 13-amino acid modified peptide designed to increase stability and receptor affinity compared with natural alpha-MSH, particularly at the melanocortin-1 receptor (MC1R), which plays a key role in regulating melanin production in melanocytes. Activation of MC1R stimulates the synthesis of eumelanin, the darker pigment that provides protection against ultraviolet radiation. (MDPI)
In experimental rodent models, melanocortin peptides such as Melanotan I and related analogs have been used to examine pigmentation pathways and melanocyte physiology. When administered in controlled laboratory settings, these peptides stimulate melanogenesis through MC1R activation, leading to increased eumelanin production in skin tissues. Enhanced eumelanin synthesis has been associated with improved resistance to ultraviolet-induced DNA damage, as eumelanin can absorb and dissipate UV radiation while also supporting cellular antioxidant mechanisms. (PMC)
Rodent studies have also contributed to understanding broader melanocortin signaling pathways. Experimental administration of melanocortin agonists in rats has been used to explore physiological effects beyond pigmentation, including changes in metabolic regulation and central nervous system signaling. These experiments demonstrate that melanocortin receptor activation can influence systemic biological processes such as energy balance and inflammatory responses, highlighting the role of melanocortin peptides as multifunctional regulators in mammalian physiology. (PMC)
In laboratory research settings, peptides like Melanotan I for sale from NuScience Peptides are evaluated for pharmacokinetic properties, receptor binding affinity, and biological effects using controlled dosing protocols in animal models such as rats or mice. These experimental conditions allow investigators to examine how synthetic melanocortin analogs interact with specific receptors, influence melanin synthesis, and potentially provide photoprotective effects in research models. Findings from these studies have contributed to the broader understanding of MC1R biology and melanocortin receptor research. (MDPI)
Product Specifications Table
| Property | Value |
| Common Names | Melanotan I, MT-I, Afamelanotide |
| Vial Size | 10mg |
| Amino Acids | 13 |
| Form | White Lyophilized Powder |
| Purity | 99%+ |
| Molecular Formula | C80H115N21O21 |
| Molecular Weight | 1706.9 g/mol |
| CAS Number | 75921-69-6 |
| Primary Receptor Target | Melanocortin-1 receptor (MC1R) |
| Stability | Store lyophilized at -20°C. Reconstituted solution store at 4°C. |
| Testing | Third-party lab tested – COAs available |
| Grade | Research use only. Not for human consumption. |
Melanotan I vs Melanotan II Comparison Table
This section is critical for reducing MT-II intent mismatch traffic and improving CTR on the correct MT-I queries.
| Feature | Melanotan I (MT-I, Afamelanotide) | Melanotan II (MT-II) |
| Also known as | Afamelanotide, MT-1 | MT-2, Melanotan 2, PT-141 precursor |
| Amino acids | 13 | 7 |
| Primary receptor | MC1R (selective) | MC1R, MC3R, MC4R, MC5R (non-selective) |
| Main research focus | Melanogenesis, pigmentation, UV protection pathways | Sexual function, appetite regulation, energy balance |
| FDA approved form | Yes – approved as Scenesse (afamelanotide) for EPP | Not FDA approved |
| Research use | Melanocyte biology, MC1R signaling, photoprotection | Melanocortin signaling, sexual arousal pathways |
| Available at NuScience | Yes – 10mg | Yes – Melanotan II |
Handling, Reconstitution and Storage
- Store lyophilized Melanotan I vials at -20°C until use.
- Reconstitute with bacteriostatic water under aseptic conditions.
- Use the NuScience Peptide Calculator to determine the correct BAC water volume for your target research concentration.
- Once reconstituted, store at 4°C and use within the research protocol window.
- For comprehensive storage protocols, refer to the NuScience Peptide Handling and Storage guide.
- Third-party lab testing Certificates of Analysis are available on the NuScience Lab Test Results page.
- This product is for laboratory research use only. Not for human consumption.
References (APA)
Hadley, M. E., & Dorr, R. T. (2006). Melanocortin peptide therapeutics: Historical milestones, clinical studies and commercialization. Peptides, 27(4), 921–930.
Mun, Y., et al. (2023). Melanocortin-1 receptor (MC1R): Pharmacological and therapeutic implications. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 24(15), 12152.
Trivedi, P., et al. (2003). Exploring the site of anorectic action of peripherally administered melanocortin agonists in rodents. Endocrinology, 144(9), 3766–3775.
ALL LITERATURE, INFORMATION, AND DATA, PROVIDED ON THIS WEBSITE ARE FOR INFORMATIONAL AND EDUCATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY.
Properties
| Molecular Formula |
C80H115N21O21 |
|---|---|
| Molecular Weight | 1706.9 g/mol |
| Monoisotopic Mass | 1705.85763976 Da |
| Polar Area | 680 Ų |
| Complexity | 3390 |
| XLogP | |
| Heavy Atom Count | 122 |
| Hydrogen Bond Donor Count | 24 |
| Hydrogen Bond Acceptor Count | 24 |
| Rotatable Bond Count | 51 |
| Physical Appearance | White Lyophilized Powder |
| Stability | |
| PubChem LCSS |
PubChem LCSS |
Identifiers
| CID | 131839615 |
|---|---|
| CAS | 75921-69-6 |
| InChI | InChI=1S/C78H111N21O19.C2H4O2/c1-5-6-19-52(91-75(116)61(41-101)97-72(113)57(34-46-24-26-49(103)27-25-46)94-74(115)60(40-100)88-44(4)102)68(109)92-54(28-29-64(105)106)70(111)96-59(36-48-38-83-42-87-48)73(114)93-56(33-45-16-8-7-9-17-45)71(112)90-53(22-14-31-84-78(81)82)69(110)95-58(35-47-37-85-51-20-11-10-18-50(47)51)67(108)86-39-63(104)89-55(21-12-13-30-79)77(118)99-32-15-23-62(99)76(117)98-65(43(2)3)66(80)107;1-2(3)4/h7-11,16-18,20,24-27,37-38,42-43,52-62,65,85,100-101,103H,5-6,12-15,19,21-23,28-36,39-41,79H2,1-4H3,(H2,80,107)(H,83,87)(H,86,108)(H,88,102)(H,89,104)(H,90,112)(H,91,116)(H,92,109)(H,93,114)(H,94,115)(H,95,110)(H,96,111)(H,97,113)(H,98,117)(H,105,106)(H4,81,82,84);1H3,(H,3,4)/t52-,53-,54-,55-,56+,57-,58-,59-,60-,61-,62-,65-;/m0./s1 |
| InChIKey | LBIUKNXYUXOWFF-CRYSLBJVSA-N |
| Isomeric SMILES | CCCC[C@@H](C(=O)N[C@@H](CCC(=O)O)C(=O)N[C@@H](CC1=CNC=N1)C(=O)N[C@H](CC2=CC=CC=C2)C(=O)N[C@@H](CCCNC(=N)N)C(=O)N[C@@H](CC3=CNC4=CC=CC=C43)C(=O)NCC(=O)N[C@@H](CCCCN)C(=O)N5CCC[C@H]5C(=O)N[C@@H](C(C)C)C(=O)N)NC(=O)[C@H](CO)NC(=O)[C@H](CC6=CC=C(C=C6)O)NC(=O)[C@H](CO)NC(=O)C.CC(=O)O |
| Canonical SMILES | |
| IUPAC Name | (4S)-4-[[(2S)-2-[[(2S)-2-[[(2S)-2-[[(2S)-2-acetamido-3-hydroxypropanoyl]amino]-3-(4-hydroxyphenyl)propanoyl]amino]-3-hydroxypropanoyl]amino]hexanoyl]amino]-5-[[(2S)-1-[[(2R)-1-[[(2S)-1-[[(2S)-1-[[2-[[(2S)-6-amino-1-[(2S)-2-[[(2S)-1-amino-3-methyl-1-oxobutan-2-yl]carbamoyl]pyrrolidin-1-yl]-1-oxohexan-2-yl]amino]-2-oxoethyl]amino]-3-(1H-indol-3-yl)-1-oxopropan-2-yl]amino]-5-carbamimidamido-1-oxopentan-2-yl]amino]-1-oxo-3-phenylpropan-2-yl]amino]-3-(1H-imidazol-4-yl)-1-oxopropan-2-yl]amino]-5-oxopentanoic acid;acetic acid |
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