MT-2 (Melanotan II) is a synthetic cyclic analog of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH), designed as a non-selective agonist of the melanocortin receptor family. It is widely used in laboratories investigating melanocortin receptor pharmacology, pigmentation pathways, and receptor-mediated signaling. Puritide Research supplies MT-2 as a high-purity, research-use-only material, synthesized for in vitro and animal-model work and backed by third-party-verified certificates of analysis so your data rests on consistent, documented quality.
Product Specifications
- Application
- Melanocortin receptor and pigmentation pathway research
- Appearance
- Solid, white lyophilized powder in a sealed glass vial
- Chemical Formula
- C50H69N15O9
- PubChem SID
- 92432
- CAS Number
- 121062-08-6
- Molecular Weight
- ~1024.18 g/mol
- Synonyms
- MT-2, Melanotan II, Melanotan-2, MT-II, cyclic α-MSH analog
- Storage
- Store at ≤25°C, sealed, away from heat, light, and moisture. For extended storage, keep lyophilized and refrigerated or frozen.
What Is MT-2?
MT-2 (Melanotan II) is a synthetic cyclic heptapeptide analog of α-MSH with the sequence Ac-Nle-cyclo[Asp-His-D-Phe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-NH2. The cyclic structure improves stability and receptor engagement compared with the native linear hormone, making it a durable tool for receptor pharmacology studies.
In experimental settings, MT-2 is studied as a non-selective melanocortin receptor agonist, engaging receptors including MC1R, MC3R, MC4R, and MC5R. This broad receptor profile distinguishes it from more selective analogs and lets researchers examine melanocortin signaling across multiple receptor subtypes.
Present understanding derives from in vitro assays and animal models. Findings should be interpreted within their experimental context and not treated as established clinical outcomes. Puritide Research supplies MT-2 strictly for laboratory use; it is not approved for human or veterinary application.
MT-2 Mechanism of Action (Research Only)
MT-2 is studied as a synthetic, non-selective melanocortin receptor agonist. The mechanisms below reflect observations from biochemical assays, cell-culture studies, and animal models, and should be read strictly in a research context.
Melanocortin Receptor Engagement
MT-2 is investigated for its interaction with multiple melanocortin receptor subtypes, MC1R, MC3R, MC4R, and MC5R. Because it engages the receptor family broadly rather than selectively, it serves as a model compound for characterizing melanocortin signaling and comparing receptor subtype responses within controlled systems.
Its cyclic structure is associated with enhanced stability and prolonged receptor engagement relative to native α-MSH, which makes it useful for studies of time-dependent receptor activation.
Pigmentation and cAMP Signaling
MC1R engagement is studied for its downstream activation of adenylate cyclase and the resulting cAMP signaling cascade, which in model systems is associated with eumelanin synthesis. Researchers use MT-2 to probe the biochemical steps linking receptor activation to melanogenesis.
Because MT-2 also engages MC3R, MC4R, and MC5R, it is used to investigate central melanocortin signaling relevant to appetite, energy balance, and other receptor-mediated processes in research models.
MT-2 Research Applications
MT-2 is investigated across preclinical studies as a melanocortin receptor agonist. The observations below derive from biochemical studies, cell-based assays, and animal models, and should be interpreted within their respective settings.
Pigmentation and Melanocortin Pharmacology
A primary application is investigating melanogenesis pathways, the biochemical cascade from MC1R activation through cAMP signaling to eumelanin production in melanocyte model systems.
MT-2 is also used in comparative receptor pharmacology, evaluating differences in binding and signaling across melanocortin receptor subtypes and against more selective analogs.
Central Melanocortin Signaling Models
Because MT-2 engages central melanocortin receptors (MC3R and MC4R), it is used in research models exploring energy balance, feeding behavior, and central receptor signaling. These studies aim to improve understanding of receptor-mediated communication rather than to establish physiological or therapeutic effects.
Laboratory Safety & Handling (Research Use Only)
MT-2 is a synthetic, lyophilized research peptide for laboratory investigation only. It should be handled by qualified personnel in controlled environments, in accordance with institutional policies, laboratory safety procedures, and applicable regulations. As a research material, laboratories should implement practices that prioritize material integrity, traceability, and reproducibility.
Handling & Storage Guidelines
Follow institutional SOPs, chemical hygiene plans, and approved protocols; wear appropriate PPE (lab coat, gloves, eye protection); and use engineering controls where required. Record lot numbers, storage conditions, and handling activities, and retain Certificates of Analysis and batch documentation to support traceability and audit readiness.
Store material under the conditions specified in product documentation, protected from excessive heat, moisture, and direct light. Maintain consistent conditions throughout the study period and monitor storage records as part of quality assurance.
Certificate of Analysis & Quality Assurance
Each MT-2 batch ships with a third-party-verified Certificate of Analysis, providing transparent, research-grade quality control. The CoA includes a purity assessment (HPLC / reverse-phase chromatography), mass-spectrometry identity confirmation, and lot number, testing date, and method documentation.
Researchers may request sample CoAs (PDF) ahead of purchase to confirm testing parameters, analytical methods, and batch consistency, and are encouraged to perform independent verification.
Research Use Only
