For Research Use Only
Melanotan I (MT1) is supplied exclusively for in vitro laboratory research. Not for human or veterinary use. No dosing, reconstitution, tanning, or administration guidance is provided.
Melanotan I (MT1) 10mg — Linear α-MSH Analogue for Melanocortin Receptor and MC1R Research
Melanotan I (MT1) 10mg is a research-grade lyophilised preparation of afamelanotide, a linear synthetic analogue of α-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH). MT1 is a 13-amino-acid peptide with the sequence Ac-Ser-Tyr-Ser-Nle-Glu-His-D-Phe-Arg-Trp-Gly-Lys-Pro-Val-NH₂, incorporating Nle⁴ and D-Phe⁷ substitutions relative to native α-MSH. These substitutions confer increased metabolic stability and enhanced melanocortin receptor binding affinity compared to native α-MSH. Each vial supplied by AbsoluteBioLab contains 10mg of MT1, verified by RP-HPLC to ≥99.0% purity with identity confirmed by ESI-MS. Batch-specific analytical documentation is available through the AbsoluteBioLab CoA Portal.
MT1 is a linear peptide and is structurally distinct from Melanotan II (MT2), which is a cyclic heptapeptide. MT1 and MT2 differ in sequence, cyclisation state, molecular weight, receptor selectivity profile, and published research contexts. They are not interchangeable in research applications. The structural and receptor-profile differences between MT1 and MT2 are detailed in the Melanotan I vs Melanotan II Laboratory Comparison guide.
Compound Identity
| Attribute | Value | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Common Names | Melanotan I, MT1, Afamelanotide | Linear α-MSH analogue; distinct from MT2 (cyclic heptapeptide) |
| Sequence | Ac-Ser-Tyr-Ser-Nle-Glu-His-D-Phe-Arg-Trp-Gly-Lys-Pro-Val-NH₂ | 13 amino acids; N-terminal acetyl; C-terminal amide; Nle⁴, D-Phe⁷ substitutions vs native α-MSH |
| CAS Number | 75921-69-6 | Afamelanotide (free base) |
| Molecular Formula | C78H111N21O19 | Free base |
| Molecular Weight | 1,646.8 Da | Free base (average) |
| Salt Form | Acetate | Research-grade lyophilised preparation; verify against batch CoA |
| Receptor Context | MC1R, MC3R, MC4R, MC5R | Binding affinity data from preclinical models; not selective for a single MCR subtype |
| Physical Form | White lyophilised powder | Research-grade preparation |
Analytical Specification
| Test Parameter | Method | Specification |
|---|---|---|
| Purity (RP-HPLC) | C18 column, UV 220 nm | ≥99.0% |
| Identity (ESI-MS) | Electrospray ionisation MS | Multiply-charged ions confirmed; ±0.1 Da of theoretical MW |
| Endotoxin (LAL) | Kinetic turbidimetric LAL | <1.0 EU/mg |
| Appearance | Visual inspection | White lyophilised powder |
α-MSH Analogue Structure and Melanocortin Receptor Binding
MT1 is a synthetic analogue of α-MSH (α-melanocyte-stimulating hormone), a 13-amino-acid peptide derived from the N-terminal region of ACTH(1-13). Native α-MSH has the sequence Ac-Ser-Tyr-Ser-Met-Glu-His-Phe-Arg-Trp-Gly-Lys-Pro-Val-NH₂. MT1 incorporates two substitutions: Met⁴ → Nle⁴ (norleucine, a non-oxidisable methionine analogue) and Phe⁷ → D-Phe⁷ (D-phenylalanine, which increases receptor binding affinity and metabolic stability). These modifications increase the half-life of MT1 relative to native α-MSH and enhance its binding affinity at melanocortin receptors.
MT1 binds to melanocortin receptors (MC1R, MC3R, MC4R, MC5R) with a selectivity profile that reflects the broad receptor distribution of α-MSH. MC1R is expressed on melanocytes and is the primary receptor mediating melanogenesis-related signalling in response to α-MSH and its analogues. Research using MT1 in melanocyte cell models has examined MC1R activation, cAMP signalling, and the downstream regulation of melanogenesis-related genes including MITF, TYR, and DCT.
Research Applications
Melanocortin Receptor Biology and MC1R Research
MT1 is used as a tool compound in research investigating melanocortin receptor binding, MC1R-mediated signalling in melanocyte cell models, and the structural determinants of melanocortin receptor selectivity. The Nle⁴/D-Phe⁷ substitutions in MT1 provide a research tool for studying the contribution of these residues to receptor binding affinity and selectivity. Research using MT1 in melanocyte cell models has examined MC1R activation, cAMP signalling, and melanogenesis-related gene expression in preclinical systems.
Structural Comparison with MT2 and Native α-MSH
MT1 and MT2 are structurally distinct compounds. MT1 is a linear 13-amino-acid peptide; MT2 is a cyclic 7-amino-acid peptide. They differ in sequence, cyclisation state, molecular weight, receptor selectivity profile, and published research contexts. Research comparing MT1 and MT2 receptor pharmacology is relevant to understanding the structural basis of melanocortin receptor selectivity. Refer to the Melanotan I vs Melanotan II Laboratory Comparison and the Melanocortin Receptor Research Matrix for detailed comparisons.
Storage and Transport
| Condition | Specification |
|---|---|
| Long-Term Storage | −20°C, protected from light and moisture |
| Stability Period | Stated on the batch-specific CoA |
| Transit | Ambient; cold-chain packaging included for applicable orders |
Batch Documentation
Every batch of MT1 10mg dispatched by AbsoluteBioLab is accompanied by a batch-specific Certificate of Analysis. CoA documents are available via the Certificate of Analysis Portal. For further information on melanocortin receptor research, refer to the Melanocortin Receptor Research Matrix and the Melanotan I vs Melanotan II Laboratory Comparison.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between MT1 and MT2?
MT1 (afamelanotide) is a linear 13-amino-acid α-MSH analogue (MW 1,646.8 Da). MT2 (melanotan II) is a cyclic 7-amino-acid peptide (MW 1,024.2 Da). They differ in sequence, cyclisation state, molecular weight, and receptor selectivity profile. MT2 has higher selectivity for MC3R and MC4R relative to MT1. They are not interchangeable in research applications.
Is MT1 the same as afamelanotide (Scenesse®)?
MT1 has the same primary sequence as afamelanotide, the active substance in Scenesse® (a medicinal product authorised in the EU for erythropoietic protoporphyria). The AbsoluteBioLab product is a research-grade lyophilised preparation for in vitro laboratory investigation only. It is not the same as the authorised medicinal product Scenesse®, and no clinical or therapeutic guidance is provided.
Where can I access the Certificate of Analysis?
Batch-specific CoA documents are available via the AbsoluteBioLab CoA Portal.
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