Description
Melanotan I (MT-1), also known as afamelanotide, is a synthetic 13-amino-acid analog of α-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH). It is studied as a melanocortin-1 receptor (MC1R) agonist with substitutions at positions 4 (norleucine) and 7 (D-phenylalanine) that confer enzymatic stability and prolonged receptor activity compared with native α-MSH. In research models, MT-1 is investigated for its effects on melanocyte signaling, eumelanin synthesis, photoprotective pathways, and DNA damage response in UV-exposed cell systems. The same molecule, formulated as a controlled-release subcutaneous implant (Scenesse®), has been approved by the FDA and EMA for the prevention of phototoxicity in adults with erythropoietic protoporphyria (EPP).
Benefits (Research Focus)
- Studied as a selective melanocortin-1 receptor (MC1R) agonist
- Investigated for stimulation of eumelanin biosynthesis in melanocyte cultures
- Explored for cAMP/MITF/tyrosinase pathway activation
- Examined in photoprotection and UV-induced DNA damage research
- Researched for anti-inflammatory signaling within the melanocortin system
What Researchers Look At
- MC1R receptor binding affinity and receptor subtype selectivity
- cAMP dynamics and MITF transcriptional activation in melanocyte models
- Tyrosinase activity and melanogenic gene expression panels
- Eumelanin/pheomelanin ratio and melanosome biology endpoints
- Nucleotide excision repair and UV-induced DNA damage markers
Quick Specs
- Form: Lyophilized white powder
- Net Peptide Content: 10 mg per vial
- Quantity: 1 vial
- Purity: ≥99% by HPLC
- Appearance: White to off-white lyophilizate
- Reconstitution: Bacteriostatic or sterile water (added by the end researcher)
- Storage (lyophilized): protect from light
- Storage (reconstituted): Store at 2–8 °C; for short-term laboratory use only
Identity Basics
- Compound: Melanotan I (MT-1)
- Synonyms: Afamelanotide; [Nle⁴, D-Phe⁷]-α-MSH; NDP-MSH; CUV1647
- Sequence: Ac-Ser-Tyr-Ser-Nle-Glu-His-D-Phe-Arg-Trp-Gly-Lys-Pro-Val-NH₂
- Chemical Formula: C78H111N21O19
- Molecular Weight: 1646.85 g/mol
- CAS: 75921-69-6
Disclaimer
- This product is intended for laboratory research use only.
- Not for human or veterinary use.
- Not approved for diagnostic, therapeutic, or medical applications.
- Handle using appropriate laboratory safety procedures and personal protective equipment.
