Cyclic structure
The lactam-bridged heptapeptide scaffold constrains the pharmacophore conformation — the key structural difference from linear α-MSH fragments.
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Compound profile
Copper & dermal peptidesMelanotan II (MT-2)
Cyclic heptapeptide analog of α-MSH and non-selective melanocortin-receptor (MC1R–MC5R) ligand — a standard tool compound for receptor-binding assays in vitro.
Melanotan II (MT-II) is a cyclic heptapeptide analog of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH), developed within the melanocortin research program at the University of Arizona. It is a non-selective ligand across melanocortin receptors MC1R–MC5R, which makes it a mapping tool for receptor-subtype selectivity studies in engineered cell systems.
Structure and class
MT-II activates melanocortin receptors, a family of five Gs-coupled receptors, in cell-based assays. Because it spans the family with limited subtype selectivity, it is used to calibrate subtype-selectivity measurements — with each result attributed explicitly to the receptor subtype and cell line in which it was observed.
Chemistry and analytical notes
Notes cover structural and analytical chemistry; each link runs a live PubMed search for the topic.
Receptor-subtype binding
In-vitro binding panels at MC1R–MC5R characterize the compound's subtype profile; these assays define its reference role in melanocortin research.
Search PubMedα-MSH-class analogs
As an α-MSH analog, MT-II appears throughout the receptor-ligand literature that mapped melanocortin subtype selectivity in engineered systems.
Search PubMedLight sensitivity
Melanocortin peptides are light-sensitive; light-controlled storage and handling are part of the analytical guidance for this compound.
Search PubMedHandling & storage
Store lyophilized at −20°C and protect from light — melanocortin peptides are light-sensitive. Reconstitute with reconstitution-grade sterile water under aseptic technique; keep the solution at 2–8°C, protect from light, avoid repeated freeze–thaw cycles and use within your protocol's stability window. For laboratory research use only — not for human or veterinary use.
For laboratory research use only
All products are sold strictly for laboratory research purposes only. Not for human or veterinary consumption, diagnostic, or therapeutic use. The information on this page is a chemistry and handling summary for qualified researchers — it is not medical advice, and nothing here constitutes a claim of safety or efficacy in humans.
Melanotan II (MT-2)
Source this compound for your laboratory
Every batch is released only at ≥99% HPLC purity with an MS identity check, registered against a batch number you can verify online before you open the vial.