What Is Melanotan 2?
Melanotan 2 (MT-2) is a cyclic heptapeptide analogue of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH). This research compound has been extensively investigated in scientific literature for its broad activity across multiple melanocortin receptor subtypes. MT-2 is a valuable research tool for examining complex melanocortin pathway signalling in controlled laboratory settings.
Receptor Profile and Activity
Unlike MT-1, which demonstrates MC1R selectivity, MT-2 exhibits broader melanocortin receptor activity. Preclinical studies have identified MT-2 as an agonist at multiple melanocortin receptor subtypes including MC1R, MC3R, MC4R, and MC5R. This broader receptor activity profile makes MT-2 particularly useful for research examining systemic melanocortin pathway effects. The cyclic heptapeptide structure of MT-2 contributes to its enhanced stability and receptor binding characteristics compared to linear analogues.
Research Areas
MT-2 has been studied in multiple research contexts including pigmentation biology, melanocortin pathway signalling, metabolic research, and receptor pharmacology. Preclinical investigations have examined its effects across various tissue types and cellular systems. The compound serves as a model for understanding how broad melanocortin receptor activation influences complex physiological signalling networks. However, human clinical evidence remains limited and preliminary.
For researchers exploring melanocortin biology, TrueCanPeptides offers MT-2 10mg alongside complementary research compounds through our Research Hub.
MT-2 vs MT-1: Comparing Research Tools
The key distinction between MT-2 and MT-1 lies in their receptor selectivity profiles. MT-1 provides researchers a tool for examining MC1R-specific signalling, while MT-2’s broader activity allows investigation of multi-receptor melanocortin pathway effects. Researchers should select the appropriate compound based on their specific research objectives and desired receptor selectivity. Both compounds are available through TrueCanPeptides with verified quality and purity standards.
Storage and Purity
MT-2 is supplied in lyophilized form and requires storage at -20°C or lower to maintain stability. Proper handling following the reconstitution guide is essential. All MT-2 compounds from TrueCanPeptides meet rigorous certificate of analysis standards with 98-99% purity confirmation.
Research Disclaimer
For research purposes only. Not intended for human use. This content is educational and does not constitute medical advice.
Structure and Chemistry
Melanotan 2’s cyclic structure distinguishes it mechanistically from the linear Melanotan 1. Cyclization — achieved via a lactam bridge between the Asp and Lys side chains — constrains the peptide into a bioactive conformation that allows simultaneous engagement of multiple melanocortin receptor subtypes with high affinity.
- Systematic name: Ac-Nle-cyclo[Asp-His-D-Phe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-NH₂
- Amino acids: 7 (cyclic heptapeptide)
- Molecular weight: ~1,024 Da
- Receptor profile: MC1R, MC3R, MC4R, MC5R (broad spectrum)
- Format: Lyophilized powder
Melanocortin Receptor Profile
MT-2’s broad receptor engagement (MC1R through MC5R) is the basis for its diverse research applications. Each receptor subtype drives distinct biology:
- MC1R: Melanocyte pigmentation; eumelanin synthesis
- MC3R: Hypothalamic energy balance; studied in feeding behaviour models
- MC4R: Central satiety and energy expenditure signalling; extensively studied in metabolic research
- MC5R: Exocrine gland function; sebaceous biology
MT-2’s engagement of MC4R is noteworthy from a research perspective: central MC4R activation has been associated with effects on appetite and sexual behaviour signalling in rodent models. This made MT-2 a pharmacological tool of interest for researchers studying central melanocortin circuit biology — distinct from the MC1R-focused research agenda of MT-1.
MT-2 in Pigmentation Research
MT-2 drives eumelanin synthesis through the same MC1R pathway as endogenous α-MSH and MT-1. Eumelanin is the brown/black pigment produced by melanocytes in response to UV exposure (the classical “tanning” response). In research models, MT-2 has been used as an exogenous melanocortin agonist to study MC1R-mediated signal transduction, cAMP production, melanogenesis enzyme (tyrosinase) upregulation, and melanin granule transfer biology.
MT-1 vs MT-2: Key Research Differences
| Property | MT-1 (Afamelanotide) | MT-2 |
|---|---|---|
| Structure | Linear | Cyclic (lactam bridge) |
| Size | 13 AA, ~1,646 Da | 7 AA, ~1,024 Da |
| Receptor selectivity | MC1R-selective | Broad: MC1R/3R/4R/5R |
| Key research contexts | Pigmentation, photoprotection | Pigmentation, MC4R/sexual behaviour, appetite |
| Regulatory status | Approved (EU/AU as afamelanotide) | Not approved anywhere |
Storage and Handling
- Store lyophilized at −20°C, desiccated and protected from light
- Reconstitute in bacteriostatic or sterile water; gently swirl
- Post-reconstitution: 4°C up to 30 days; aliquot and freeze for longer storage
- Light-sensitive due to Trp residue — keep covered during handling
Melanotan 2 is supplied by TrueCanPeptides for qualified in vitro laboratory research purposes only. Not for human or animal administration. Not evaluated or approved by Health Canada for therapeutic use.
Available: Melanotan 2 from TrueCanPeptides | Melanotan 1 guide | Skin & Aesthetics research compounds