Melanotan-1 (MT-1): A Laboratory Research Reference

Melanotan-1 (MT-1, also known as afamelanotide) is a synthetic analogue of the alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone. It is studied in laboratory research for its activity at melanocortin receptors in experimental models.

This page is a non-promotional scientific reference for researchers. It summarises the chemical identity, molecular characteristics, mechanism as described in the literature, research areas, and analytical testing of MT-1. It does not provide dosing, therapeutic, or human-use guidance of any kind. MT-1 supplied by Bulk Aussie Peptides is for laboratory research purposes only.

What Is MT-1?

Melanotan-1 is a synthetic 13-amino-acid peptide engineered from the native alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (alpha-MSH) sequence, with two residue substitutions (n-acetylation at the amino terminus and an amidated carboxy terminus) that improve its stability. Structurally it is abbreviated as a 13-residue analogue of alpha-MSH_4–13. MT-2, commonly discussed alongside it, is a related cyclic heptapeptide analogue.

For background on how synthetic research peptides are produced and verified, see the synthetic peptides research guide.

Molecular Characteristics

• Classification: a synthetic melanocortin peptide, an analogue of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone.
• Sequence: a 13-amino-acid peptide derived from alpha-MSH with stabilising amino- and carboxy-terminal modifications.
• Molecular weight: reported in Daltons (Da) on product documentation; the measured value on a Certificate of Analysis should be compared against the theoretical mass.
• Physical form: supplied as a lyophilised (freeze-dried) powder, the standard presentation for research peptides.

How MT-1 Works

Melanotan-1 acts as an agonist at melanocortin receptors, a G-protein-coupled receptor subfamily that includes MC1R. In laboratory models, activation of melanocortin receptors is associated with cyclic AMP signalling and, in melanocyte systems, the stimulation of pigment synthesis pathways. The melanocortin system is also engaged by alpha-MSH, adrenocorticotropic hormone, and the agouti-related peptides, making receptor selectivity a common research focus.

These observations describe receptor pharmacology in model systems and do not constitute a therapeutic use.

Areas of Scientific Research

• Melanocortin receptor pharmacology: characterisation of receptor binding and signal transduction.
• Pigmentation research: studies of melanocortin-mediated pigment synthesis in melanocyte models.
• Peptide stability: comparison of MT-1 with native alpha-MSH to understand structure–activity relationships.

These investigations are conducted in vitro or in approved animal research models under institutional oversight. They do not translate to approved human use.

Analytical Testing

• HPLC for purity assessment, reported as a percentage of total peak area.
• Mass spectrometry for identity confirmation against the theoretical molecular mass.

Guidance on reading the resulting documents is available in the article on how to read a peptide Certificate of Analysis.

Storage and Handling

In a laboratory context, lyophilised MT-1 is typically stored in a freezer, protected from light and moisture, and handled according to the product-specific documentation. General guidance is covered in the peptide storage and stability reference.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is MT-1? MT-1 (melanotan-1) is a synthetic analogue of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone.
• What receptor does MT-1 target? It acts as an agonist at melanocortin receptors, including MC1R.
• How does MT-1 differ from MT-2? MT-1 is a linear analogue, while MT-2 is a related cyclic analogue; both derive from alpha-MSH.
• What is MT-1 studied for? It is investigated in laboratory models for melanocortin receptor pharmacology and pigment synthesis.
• How is MT-1 purity tested? By HPLC, with identity confirmed by mass spectrometry.

References

• Sawyer, T. K., Sanfilippo, P. J., Hruby, V. J., Engel, M. H., Heward, C. B., Burnett, J. B., & Hadley, M. E. (1980). 4-Norleucine, 7-D-phenylalanine-alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone: A highly potent alpha-melanotropin with ultralong biological activity. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 77(10), 5754–5758. PubMed 6934512

Related Research Resources

• PT-141 (Bremelanotide): A Laboratory Research Reference — a related melanocortin peptide.
• Synthetic Peptides: Research Guide — how research peptides are produced and verified.