Description
Melanotan 1 Description
Melanotan I, also known as Afamelanotide, is a synthetic analog of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH) developed for scientific and laboratory research. It has been extensively studied for its selective activation of the melanocortin-1 receptor (MC1R), making it a valuable research tool for investigating pigmentation, melanocyte biology, and photoprotection.
Preclinical and clinical research suggests that Melanotan I binds to MC1R on melanocytes, activating intracellular signaling pathways that promote the production of eumelanin, the pigment responsible for darker skin coloration and natural protection against ultraviolet (UV) radiation. Unlike natural tanning, this process has been shown in experimental models to stimulate melanin synthesis independently of direct UV exposure.
Melanotan I is widely used in laboratory studies examining melanocortin receptor pharmacology, pigment cell function, skin photobiology, and peptide-mediated cellular signaling. Researchers continue to investigate its role in melanin production, UV-response mechanisms, and the biological processes involved in skin pigmentation.
Melanotam 1 Peptide Specifications
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Peptide Sequence | Ser-Tyr-Ser-Nle-Glu-His-D-Phe-Arg-Trp-Gly-Lys-Pro-Val |
| Molecular Formula | C78H111N21O19 |
| Molecular Weight | 1646.8 g/mol |
| CAS Number | 75921-69-6 |
| PubChem CID | 16154396 |
| Synonyms | Melanotan I, Melanotan-1, 75921-69-6, NDP-alpha-MSH, 4-Nle-7-phe-alpha-msh, MT1 |
Common Research Applications
- Melanocortin-1 receptor (MC1R) signaling
- Melanin synthesis and melanogenesis
- Melanocyte biology
- Skin pigmentation research
- Photoprotection and UV-response mechanisms
- Alpha-MSH receptor pharmacology
- Dermatological and pigment cell research
- Cellular signaling pathway investigations
Potential Research Applications
Current laboratory and clinical research has investigated Melanotan I in the following areas:
- Melanin production and pigmentation
- Melanocortin receptor (MC1R) signaling
- Skin photoprotection
- UV-induced skin damage
- Photosensitivity disorders
- Pigmentary disorders
- Melanocyte biology
- Dermatology research
- Peptide receptor pharmacology
- Skin aging and photobiology
Melanotan 1 Benefits
Research suggests Melanotan I may:
- Stimulate the production of protective eumelanin.
- Support research into natural skin pigmentation.
- Enhance the skin’s resistance to UV-induced damage through increased melanin production.
- Serve as a valuable model for studying melanocortin receptor signaling.
- Help investigate photoprotection without relying solely on ultraviolet exposure.
- Support studies involving photosensitivity disorders such as erythropoietic protoporphyria.
- Provide insight into melanocyte function and pigment cell biology.
- Assist research on pigment restoration in depigmentation disorders.
- Offer a selective MC1R agonist with fewer off-target melanocortin effects than Melanotan II.
- Support investigations into skin aging and UV-related cellular damage.
Mechanism of Action
Melanotan I selectively binds to the melanocortin-1 receptor (MC1R) located on melanocytes. Activation of this receptor increases the synthesis of eumelanin, the dark pigment that helps absorb ultraviolet radiation and provides natural photoprotection. Compared with Melanotan II, Melanotan I has significantly lower activity at MC3R and MC4R, resulting in a more targeted effect on skin pigmentation.
Product Features
- Synthetic α-MSH analog
- Selective MC1R receptor agonist
- High-purity research-grade peptide
- Investigated for pigmentation and photoprotection research
- Used in melanocyte and dermatology studies
- Suitable for laboratory and scientific research applications
Melanotan 1 Dosage
Approved Clinical Use (Afamelanotide/SCENESSE®)
For the approved treatment of erythropoietic protoporphyria, Afamelanotide is administered as a 16 mg subcutaneous implant every 2 months, inserted by a trained healthcare professional.
Research Use
There is no standardized or approved dosing regimen for research-grade Melanotan I supplied for laboratory investigation. Experimental protocols vary considerably depending on the study design and should not be interpreted as established clinical guidance.
Research Use Only: Melanotan I is supplied exclusively for scientific and laboratory research. It is not intended for human or veterinary use and is not approved to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
