🧬 Melanotan 1 – Selective MC1R Agonist for Pigmentation Research
Synonyms: Afamelanotide, [Nle⁴, D-Phe⁷]-α-MSH, CUV1647
CAS Number: 75921-69-6
Sequence: Ac-Ser-Tyr-Ser-Nle⁴-Glu-His-D-Phe⁷-Arg-Trp-Gly-Lys-Pro-Val-NH₂
Molecular Weight: ~1646.9 Da
Form: Lyophilized powder
Purity: ≥98% (HPLC)
Research Use Only. Not for human consumption.
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Description:
Melanotan 1 is a synthetic linear peptide analog of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH), engineered to selectively activate the melanocortin 1 receptor (MC1R). This receptor is primarily expressed in melanocytes, where it regulates eumelanin production and UV-induced pigmentation. Melanotan 1 is structurally optimized for enhanced receptor affinity, proteolytic resistance, and prolonged biological activity, making it a valuable tool in pigmentation and photoprotection research.
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⚙️ Mechanism of Action:
Melanotan 1 binds with high specificity to MC1R, initiating a cAMP-mediated signaling cascade that:
• Stimulates eumelanin synthesis via upregulation of tyrosinase and related enzymes
• Enhances UV-induced pigmentation and melanocyte activation
• May reduce UV-induced DNA damage by increasing melanin density
Unlike Melanotan 2, MT-1 exhibits minimal off-target activity at MC3R and MC4R, reducing the likelihood of systemic or neuroendocrine effects in research models.
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📈 Research Applications:
Melanotan 1 is under investigation in preclinical and in vitro models for:
• Skin pigmentation and photoprotection
• Melanocyte biology and UV response
• Eumelanin vs pheomelanin expression ratios
• Potential synergy with UVB exposure in pigmentation studies
Its receptor selectivity makes it ideal for targeted melanogenesis research without confounding systemic effects.
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📦 Packaging & Handling:
• Supplied as a sterile-filtered lyophilized peptide
• Store at –20°C, protected from light and moisture
• Reconstitute with bacteriostatic water, acetic acid, or other suitable diluent
• Store in the refrigerator once a reconstituted solution to preserve integrity 2-8°C
SKU: MT1-10MG-VIAL
