Melanotan II is a cyclic synthetic heptapeptide analogue of α-MSH, developed through structural modification to improve receptor binding affinity and resistance to enzymatic degradation. Its core pharmacophore — the His-D-Phe-Arg-Trp sequence within the lactam ring — drives high-affinity, non-selective agonism across melanocortin receptor subtypes MC1R through MC5R.
MC1R agonism is the primary driver of eumelanin synthesis in melanocytes. Binding activates adenylyl cyclase via Gαs, elevating intracellular cAMP and activating PKA, which phosphorylates CREB and upregulates MITF — the master regulator of tyrosinase expression and melanogenesis.
MC4R agonism has attracted research interest in energy homeostasis. MC4R is expressed in hypothalamic arcuate and paraventricular nuclei, where activation by melanocortin peptides is implicated in satiety signaling and energy expenditure regulation.
📋 Research Applications
Research Applications
Melanocortin receptor (MC1R–MC5R) pharmacology and binding studies
Melanogenesis and tyrosinase pathway research in melanocyte cell cultures
MITF transcription factor activation and pigmentation biology research
MC4R-mediated energy homeostasis and hypothalamic satiety circuit research
Catania A, et al. The melanocortin system in control of inflammation. ScientificWorldJournal. 2010;10:1840–1853.
Mountjoy KG, et al. The cloning of a family of genes that encode the melanocortin receptors. Science. 1992;257(5074):1248–1251.
🧪 Testing & COA
Testing & Supply Specifications
Every Blueprint Labs batch is independently verified by third-party analytical laboratories prior to release. Identity and purity confirmed via HPLC and mass spectrometry. Full batch records maintained for chain-of-custody traceability.
Research Use Only. This product is intended strictly for laboratory and in vitro research purposes. Not for human consumption, veterinary use, or any clinical application. Not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or medical condition. All statements are informational and have not been evaluated by the FDA.
